In an open letter written to the Pakistan Bar Council on behalf of senior advocates and advocates of the Supreme Court, the senior lawyers expressed disbelief over lawyers choosing to attack a hospital.
They emphasised that as lawyers, they were obliged to strictly abide by law no matter what the case. The statement added that allowing the degeneration of a conflict leading to violence, especially on a health facility, was a violation of the high standards of their profession and had disreputed the legal profession.
Senior lawyers have further expressed their disapproval of the strikes against court hearings by bar councils and associations, adding that the constitutional right of protest could never be used in a manner that undermines the citizens’ right to access to justice.
Moreover, the statement also expressed regret over the fact the Pakistan Bar Council and different bar associations had not condemned the incident clearly and unequivocally.
The senior advocates have also stated that they expected strict disciplinary action and penalties against all the licensed lawyers who engaged in violence at PIC.
The letter further called upon the Pakistan Bar Council, provincial bar councils and bar associations to take affirmative steps in order to restore the integrity, respect and sanctity of the legal profession.