THE profession of lawyer is the most respectable in the society. But the violent and irresponsible conduct of certain elements associated with the noble profession has over the years badly dented its image. Once hailed as heroes are now seen as gangsters.
In an unfortunate incident on Monday, hundreds of lawyers ransacked the chamber of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah during protest against demolition of their illegal chambers at the Islamabad District Courts also known as the Katcheri.
The CDA’s enforcement team and police on Sunday night demolished illegal chambers and on Monday morning a group of rowdy lawyers entered the IHC premises, angrily chanting slogans against the judiciary and the CDA. The lawyers are considered as one of the most educated class and such a conduct is not expected of them.
They should serve as a role model for upholding and adhering to the law. In fact, if the lawyers had any genuine concerns about the demolition of their chambers, they should have adopted the legal course and approached the judiciary to get the relief. Attacking the IHC is not an ordinary incident and it should not be swept under the carpet.
Firstly, Islamabad Bar Association should immediately act and revoke the licenses of the lawyers involved in the violent incident. Then, we will also pray the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmad to take suo motu notice of the incident.
In fact, such an incident would not have occurred if the lawyers were reined in earlier. Such incidents have been frequent at the subordinate judiciary where the lawyers were seen slapping the police officials and the judges.
It won’t be wrong to say that certain elements within this community have become drunk on power and unafraid to curse judicial officers. This hooliganism must stop now by taking a strict action against the lawyers involved in the latest incident.
It is also for the Bar Associations across the country to arrange special lectures for the young lawyers with focus on maintaining decorum of the courtrooms.
