Lawyers have power to uproot PPP govt: Bar

First time in the state history, lawyers movement weakened a dictator and loosened establishment’s grips on the affairs and challenged the US agenda for this country in the face of it. But now government was testing every trick to fizzle out the movement to in turn enable the US implement its agenda firmly, he said while counting re-appointment of judges, increasing the SC strength 29 through financial bill etc as government manipulated moves in this respect. He criticised the judges who accepted reappointment terming their act a breach of public trust and a big offence. He said Benazir Bhutto had announced to reinstate Justice Chaudhry but the government did not fulfill her commitment. The government is in illusion if it thinks escape is possible from the judiciary’s issue without restoring Justice Chaudhry, he said charging at the government in the context of awarding guard of honour to General Musharraf under American pressure when he (Musharraf), according to him, deserved high treason trial under Article 6 of the Constitution for the heinous offence he did to the country and the nation. Baloch on the occasion also announced mass contact train march of the JI next month.

Admiral Javed Iqbal promised a whole hearted support of the PTI to the lawyers movement while stressing the need of maintaining unity in the lawyers ranks and files. He said Imran Khan, the PTI chief, was committed to the restoration of Justice Chaudhry so much so that he would alone continue the struggle if others deserted him.

Hamid Khan said their movement would continue and those trying to weaken their unity would frustrate. He said restoration of Justice Chaudhry to the office is the only help to sort out the judicial crisis and save the country. He said lawyers endeared independent judiciary and integrity of country for that they would not shun any sacrifices.

Anwar Kamal said lawyers’ movement was not now confined to them but it had become a public movement.

 He said the force of the movement would wipe out everything, which stood in the way of an independent judiciary, which he said, was the guarantee to a strong and stable Pakistan and democracy.