Pakistan Views

The executive committee of Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) will meet on Saturday (today) in order to chalk out future plan of action regarding the movement for the reinstatement of deposed judges. The meeting would be chaired by Rasheed A. Rizvi, chairman executive committee of the PBA. Lawyers had delayed their visits and meetings across the country to dispel the impression that their meetings were meant to mount pressure on the government. Earlier, the PBC on April 22, had expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s approach in resolving judicial crisis, saying it is reiterating to pursue Murree declaration but has not announced date for the reinstatement of deposed judges.Rasheed A. Rizvi had said that they would wait for 30 days, ending on April 30 adding that the executive committee would meet on May 3, and chalk out future course action.The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had adopted a different stance from that of PBC. On April 24 the executive committee of SCBA had sounded optimism that the ruling coalition would reinstate the deposed judges according to its earlier understanding.
Even though it assumed dissimilar stance, it also had warned of agitation, which implies agitation is a common feature among all forums of legal fraternity. Aitazaz Ahsan, president SCBA had said that the committee was satisfied with government’s approach in resolving the judicial crisis. But he had opposed the introduction of constitutional package saying Murree declaration could not be linked to any such package, therefore, the SCBA demanded restoration without package. In addition, if any package was introduced they would make a strategy after having consultation with judges going to be affected by that, lawyers and senior jurists, Aitazaz said.Nawaz Sharif, chief PML-N, on Friday vowed to reinstate deposed judges by a resolution on May 12, in the parliament. In this respect he has announced a committee to deliberate upon the matter in resolving the issue, as well. Sharif has also mentioned that a constitutional package should follow the restoration of deposed judges.Murree declaration had not mentioned any package with the restoration of deposed judges. Therefore, it is lawyer’s turn either to agree or disagree with the proposal. It would be the PBA’s executive committee, meeting going to take place, here today which would decide whether to take the streets or to adopt a wait-and-see policy.