The Lahore Bar Association and the Lahore High Court Bar Association have strongly opposed the recent transfer of judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC), raising serious concerns over judicial independence and constitutional integrity.
During a press conference in Lahore, bar leaders criticised the decision to transfer three IHC judges to provincial high courts, alleging that the move was carried out without the consent of the judges involved. They argued that such actions could undermine the autonomy of the judiciary and affect the overall balance of the legal system.
Qasim Ijaz Sammra, Secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, stated that the legal community would continue to resist measures that threaten judicial independence. He also criticised the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, claiming they have weakened the judiciary’s authority.
Similarly, Babar Murtaza, President of the LHCBA, expressed concern over what he described as changes to the basic structure of the Constitution. He warned that arbitrary decisions regarding judicial seniority could damage institutional credibility and announced plans for protest rallies.
The criticism was echoed by Irfan Hayat Bajwa, President of the Lahore Bar Association, who termed the developments as deeply concerning for Pakistan’s judicial system. He noted that petitions challenging the constitutional amendments are still pending and have not yet been heard.
Bar representatives emphasised that the transfer of judges without consent and the recent amendments have triggered widespread concern within the legal fraternity. They reiterated their commitment to safeguarding judicial independence and maintaining the rule of law.
The announcements signal growing tensions between sections of the legal community and recent judicial and constitutional developments in Pakistan. With protest action now planned, the issue is expected to remain a key point of debate in the country’s legal and political landscape.
