LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned an attack by scores of lawyers on renowned lawyer Asma Jahangir’s associates inside a courtroom in the Lahore High Court (LHC).
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission said: “HRCP denounces in the strongest possible terms the assault on Asma Jahangir’s associates. The most disturbing fact is that the 70-strong group of attackers, comprised exclusively of lawyers, a fraternity expected to facilitate the judicial process, not obstruct it. HRCP is particularly alarmed that the violent assault took place inside a courtroom.
“It is obvious that the attack occurred only because Asma Jahangir had agreed to represent petitioners against an influential lawyer, who also happens to be a member of Pakistan Bar Council (PBC). The PBC, of course, is the highest body regulating the conduct of lawyers in the country”, the commission said.
HRCP also condemned hooliganism inside the courtroom and the use of violence and aggression to overcome the weaknesses of a case.
“HRCP commends the courage of Asma Jahangir’s associates, particularly Advocate Shabbir Hussain, Advocate Usama Malik and Advocate Noor Ejaz who refused to abandon their professional responsibility in the face of a physical assault, profanities hurled at them and the vile and menacing attitude of more than 70 lawyers”, the statement said.
We know that the assault stands no chance of deterring or dissuading Asma or her team from pursuing justice for the petitioners but it is vital that legal representation must not be allowed to become such a hazardous endeavor for them, the commission added.
“HRCP hopes and expects that the PBC and leaders of the legal fraternity will challenge such vile behavior by this group of lawyers and take meaningful steps to ensure that such an episode never occurs again”. HRCP, in conclusion, hoped that the authorities will take action against the perpetrators to avoid serious trouble in the future.
