PBC expels Hamid Khan, Rashid Rizvi

ISLAMABAD - Taking on the role of Aitzaz Ahsan in the ongoing lawyers' movement, Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) in its meeting here Saturday announced that it would be binding upon all lawyers' bodies to work under the guidelines of the council and streamline their strategy under its instructions. The meeting was presided over by the PBC Vice-Chairman, Said-ur-Rehman and attended by 17 members who decided to meet again on September 12 to review its strategy with regard to lawyers' movement and restoration of the deposed judges. The meeting also took decision to remove certain members. Chairman Executive Committee Rashid A Rizvi and Executive Committee member Hamid Khan were among those removed. They decided to continue with their earlier decision of boycotting courts on Thursdays. PBC also announced to reorganise its 20 committees working under its patronage. However, PBC announced that it would be binding upon all lawyers' bodies to work under the guidelines of PBC and streamline their strategy under its instructions. On the occasion, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Farooq H Naek handed over a cheque of Rs 50 million to Vice Chairman PBC. He said for the restoration of deposed judges, constitutional steps were being taken. He assured that a resolution for the restoration of deposed judges would be tabled in the National Assembly on Monday or Tuesday, which would be supported with a big majority. He said everyone would have to accept the mandate of Parliament on the issue. Vice Chairman PBC Said-ur-Rehman speaking on the occasion said that the donation made to PBC by the Law Minister had no relation with the ongoing lawyers' movement. He said it was unconditional and nobody should have any reservations. He said they could not evaluate the constitutional package due to the changing political scenario. However, he warned, that no one would be allowed to hijack the lawyers' movement and reiterated that deposed judges should be restored to their pre-November 3, 2007 position. He stressed that former president Pervez Musharraf's steps should be declared unconstitutional. Vice Chairman also ruled out imposition of 'individual' decision over the lawyers' movement and said such acts would not be tolerated. Three members, including Ali Mohammad Kurd, Rashid A Rizvi and Hafiz Abdur Rehman Ansari walked out of the ceremony in protest.  PBC also passed a resolution in which they said that Pervez Musharraf's resignation became possible due to the unprecedented movement launched by the lawyers' community. They also appreciated coalition government and all democratic forces' role on the issue. It hoped that democratic government would work for the prosperity and stability of the institutions by restoring the deposed judges thus ensuring independence of judiciary. The resolution also felicitated Sardar Mohammad Latif Khosa, its elected member, on appointment as Attorney General for Pakistan. It said that a right man for the right job had been appointed whose contribution in PBC for the last fifteen years had been the most valuable and whose commitment and dedication in the legal profession for almost four decades has earned him respect of the legal fraternity. Meanwhile, President Supreme Court Bar Association Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan announced countrywide sit-in protests from the 25th of August against non-restoration of deposed judges according to Murree Accord. Addressing a news conference, he said black flags would be hoisted at all buildings of Bar Councils. "The lawyers community was frustrated due to non-fulfillment of promises made by the ruling coalition regarding restoration of deposed judges", Ch Aitzaz said. He said the ruling coalition promised on numerous occasions and the lawyers had given time to the coalition partners to resolve the issue.  Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan said that on August 28 (Thursday), all the Bar Associations will hold sit- in protests for two hours from 1200 noon to 2:00pm and the duration will also be extended. He said the sit-in protest would be held peacefully on the main roads and if judges will be restored on 28 August, the lawyers will observe 'Jashan' throughout the country. He said on September 04, the lawyers would hold demonstration in front of Constitution Avenue. Ch Aitzaz also appealed to the traders to observe complete shutter down for two hours on August 28th. He said the chain of peaceful demonstrations would be started on August 25th that would not create law and order situation. He said the lawyers are following the policy of non-violence so they will hold peaceful demonstration. He said the executive committees have been established to evolve strategy for the lawyers' movement. President SC Bar Association paid rich tribute to Ali Ahmed Kurd and Rashid A Rizvi and other lawyers for their role in the movement. He said the lawyers have passed a unanimous resolution against Pakistan Bar Council. To a question, Ch. Aitzaz Ahsan said he did not resign from PPP and he will remain member of his party.

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