Only rule of law can protect citizens: SHC chief justice

Non-compliance of law is causing lawlessness in the society and the rule of law is the only way to protect the lives of citizens, said Sindh High Court Chief Justice Mushir Alam on Tuesday while addressing a meeting held by the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) to condemn the targeted killings of lawyers in the city.
Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Justice Muhammad Ather Saeed, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and other high court judges and representatives of different bar associations were present at the meeting.
“The bench and bars are playing a vital role in ensuring provision of justice to the masses, but unfortunately, lawyers are being targeted,” the chief justice pointed out. Alam further said that the judiciary is working for the rule of law and the legal fraternity will continue their struggle to provide justice to the people without any fear. On the occasion, a fund was set up for providing financial support to the family of the lawyers killed in violence.
SHCBA President Anwar Mansoor Khan, Secretary Abid Zubairi, Sindh Bar Council Vice Chairman Iftikhar Javid Kazi, Karachi Bar Association President Muhammad Aqil, Malir District Bar Association President Ashraf Sammo and others also spoke on the occasion.
They condemned the killing of lawyers and urged the government to arrest the culprits behind these murders.
The general body of the SHCBA also adopted a resolution condemning the ongoing terrorism and the brutality in the country and demanded that the government should take all steps necessary to restore peace in Karachi.
The SHCBA also urged the government to provide security to lawyers.
On the call of the bar associations, the legal fraternity completely boycotted court proceedings at all courts on Tuesday, including special courts, and hoisted black flags in courtrooms.
Separately, an anti-terrorism court adjourned the hearing of the Sarfraz Shah murder case as the defence counsel submitted an adjournment application due to the lawyers’ strike. The court put off the matter until Wednesday (today).