 "Protests in Pakistan over judges’ appointment as Imran Khan’s PTI opposes new law")
Hundreds of lawyers protested in Islamabad on Monday against the elevation of six high court judges to the Supreme Court by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and demanded that the meeting be postponed.
The JCP meeting was held despite opposition from four Supreme Court judges and many legal fraternities.
Former Prime Minister’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party also joined the protest against the appointments.
Lawyers gathered at various locations in Islamabad, with the lawyers’ committee staging a protest near D-Chowk. Police responded with force, closing several key routes to the Red Zone. Clashes broke out between lawyers and security forces as they attempted to enter the area. Later, dozens of protesters gathered at Serena Chowk.
Eight vacant positions in Supreme Court
The JCP is set to decide on the appointment of judges to eight vacant positions in the Supreme Court under the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment, which added four members of Parliament to the commission.
The Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court was not included in the list of appointments, while the Chief Justices of other high courts were selected.
The six judges appointed are Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, Justice Shakeel Ahmad, Justice Aamer Farooq, and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim.
PTI Senator Hamid Khan told Geo News that the appointments were “unconstitutional” and “illegitimate.” He emphasized that his party does not accept them.
Earlier, on February 3, lawyers in Islamabad went on strike to protest the transfer of three high court judges to the IHC. The Karachi Bar Association supported the strike by staying away from court.
Last month, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) approached the Supreme Court through Advocate Muhammad Waqar Rana to request a delay in the JCP meeting.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsBus service affected, traffic jams in Islamabad streets
As a result of the protests, metro bus services were suspended at multiple locations, and the closure of the Red Zone caused traffic jams in several areas.
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