8th April 2022
By Ahmed Saeed
LAHORE
Members of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) have hailed the Supreme Court’s decision to hold Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri’s ruling and the dissolution of Parliament unconstitutional. The legal fraternity termed the verdict an important milestone for strengthening democracy and rule of law in Pakistan, and further stated that it washes away past stains on the judiciary’s reputation.
LHCBA President Ali Akbar Dogar said that the judiciary has buried the “doctrine of necessity” forever by refusing to fold to pressure and giving a just ruling.
Some leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and current Federal Ministers expressed dismay at the Supreme Court’s 5-0 verdict. Sitting Federal Minister for Human Rights Shirin Mazari maintained that the decision disregarded America’s meddling in Pakistan’s parliamentary process.
“A judicial coup happened last night down to ordering how & even at what time NA session must be held, ending parliamentary supremacy! Sadly the issue of US attempt at regime change – the elephant in the room – which led to Dy Speaker ruling totally ignored.But this is not the end
A judicial coup happened last night down to ordering how & even at what time NA session must be held, ending parliamentary supremacy! Sadly the issue of US attempt at regime change – the elephant in the room – which led to Dy Speaker ruling totally ignored.But this is not the end
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 8, 2022
Dogra regretted the backlash from officials and hoped they would avoid criticizing the apex court considering their position.
Former Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) Raja Zulqarnain stated that the measures taken by the Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi on April 3 shook the foundations of the State. However, the decision of the Supreme Court not only rescued but strengthened the democratic core of the country.
Rushda Lodhi, a member of the Punjab Bar Council, vehemently denied claims that the Supreme Court’s verdict interfered in the work and procedures of Parliament.
Khawaja Mohsin Abbas, former secretary of the LHCBA, also rejected criticisms of the apex court’s ruling, adding that these “critics” will also soon be ensnared by the law.
Other members and leaders of the legal fraternity praised the decision, hoping that it would strengthen both the judiciary and democracy. While senior lawyers certainly expressed their satisfaction with the verdict, younger black-coats also expressed hope that it would restore the public’s confidence in the judiciary.
The legal community has unanimously welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and now anticipate that the judiciary will refuse to endorse any unconstitutional act in the future and will continue to play its role for the supremacy of democracy