Top lawyers' bodies reaffirm commitment to rule of law, judicial independence

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence.

According to the statement, both bodies have consistently stood for the supremacy of law, the freedom of the judiciary, institutional integrity and adherence to the Constitution.

The statement said certain political groups, for their own agendas, are attempting to create chaos and division within the legal community. These elements often issue statements aimed at harming the country’s democratic system.

The joint declaration strongly condemned remarks from unelected individuals and asserted that attempts by such actors would soon fail. It further clarified that only institutional bodies of the PBC and SCBA are authorised to issue statements on national matters.

The statement emphasised that individual or minority opinions do not represent the entire legal fraternity, which stands united for the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution. Both bodies also expressed support for the establishment of a Constitutional Court through the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

Under this amendment, equal provincial representation would allow constitutional and political cases to be heard more effectively. Public-interest cases would be scheduled and decided more efficiently in the Supreme Court, while the judicial appointment process remains under close observation by the bar bodies.

The joint statement added that, when required, their reservations and concerns will be conveyed through decisions and resolutions passed by their respective General Houses.