PTI lawyers launch drive for ‘judicial independence’

ISLAMABAD: Lawyers protesting in front of the Supreme Court on Friday announced the launch of another movement for the independence of the judiciary and against the proposed amendments, including the establishment of a parallel constitutional court to the Supreme Court.

Scores of lawyers, led by PTI leadership, marched on Constitutional Avenue in Islamabad and held a demonstration outside the Supreme Court, chanting anti-government slogans and expressing opposition to the proposed constitutional amendments, including the formation of a parallel constitutional court.

The protesters chanted slogans, carrying banners inscribed with anti-government messages. PTI leaders, including Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Sardar Latif Khosa, Shoiab Shaheen, Niazullah Niazi, and others, appealed to the public—irrespective of party affiliation—to join the movement aimed at securing judicial independence and safeguarding the future of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Salman Akram Raja urged the nation to join this movement, which is set to begin on Saturday from Rawalpindi and will extend across Pakistan.

He emphasised that this is not just an issue for lawyers but for every Pakistani, saying that the country is being turned into a “forest” as restrictions are imposed on the media, while children and women are abducted.

“We are launching a public movement starting from Rawalpindi, extending to all of Pakistan. As responsible citizens, the current situation demands your participation,” Raja said.

In his address, Latif Khosa expressed solidarity with the upcoming Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, and senior judge Justice Muneeb Akhtar.

“Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Muneeb Akhtar, we stand with you,” Latif Khosa declared, saying that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s criticism of senior judge Justice Muneeb Akhtar was inappropriate.

“Whosoever and wherever people with black coats are, irrespective of their party affiliation, should join this movement. Without an independent judiciary, no one can achieve justice,” Khosa asserted.

Shoiab Shaheen alleged that constitutional amendments are being introduced in violation of the Constitution, effectively robbing the rights of the people.

Shaheen said that the Supreme Court is the last hope for protecting citizens’ rights but is being diminished to the level of a district and sessions court.

The government is intent on creating a parallel court to the Supreme Court from which it can extract favourable decisions.

Niazullah Niazi, addressing the protest, said that lawyers have historically led the fight for judicial independence and are determined to take action again as the independence of the judiciary is threatened.

“The government, lacking constitutional authority, is proposing amendments that are unacceptable to the legal fraternity,” Niazi concluded. The demonstration also featured addresses from other lawyers.