The regular work at the Sindh High Court and subordinate courts came to a halt on Thursday as the legal fraternity observed a full-day strike in protest against the attack on an Ismaili community bus that left 45 dead and over 10 wounded.
The second strike in a week hit the litigants hard. The most affected were those who had come to the SHC from far-flung areas to have their cases heard. Hundreds of the cases were adjourned, adding to the backlog of the cases. At the subordinate courts, under trial prisoners were also among the most affected, facing yet another delay on account of the strike.
The SHC and subordinate courts presented a deserted look as the lawyers stayed away from the courts. The black flags were hoisted at the bar associations’ offices.
Earlier on Wednesday, the SHC Bar Association, Karachi and Malir Bar Associations had announced to observe strike at courts against the horrific attack. At the request of bar association, the SHC chief justice suspended the legal work at the high court.
The general body meetings of the SHCBA, KBA and MBA, held at their respective offices, were attended by a large number of lawyers who prayed for the departed souls and expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved families on death of their beloveds. The legal fraternity strongly condemned the inhuman attack on the country’s one of the most peaceful community.
The SHCBA’s honorary secretary, Muhammad Saleem Mangrio said it appeared that the law enforcers as well as government had failed to protect the lives of citizens.
The bar association passed a resolution which called upon the federal and provincial government as well as military authorities to take cognizance of the deteriorating law and order situation of the metropolis. It demanded that the authorities should ensure that all citizens were provided protection and all out measures were taken to nail and punish the attackers. The bar association requested the government to fulfil its constitutional obligation and implement the National Action Plan.
