In the wake of the suicide blast outside the Islamabad District Court, the security of courts across Punjab, including the Lahore High Court, has been significantly tightened.
Chief Justice Justice Alia Neelam has issued strict directives for immediate, comprehensive, and foolproof security arrangements, according to a spokesperson for the Lahore High Court.
“The protection of judges, court staff, lawyers, and litigants is our top priority,” Chief Justice Alia Neelam stated, adding that all entry points to courts are being strictly monitored.
Lawyers and litigants are now being allowed to enter court premises only after thorough security checks, as police and security personnel have been deployed at all main gates.
Lawyers’ strike observed across Punjab
Following the tragic terrorist attack in Islamabad, the Punjab Bar Council announced a complete strike in all subordinate courts across the province, including Lahore, to mourn the victims and express solidarity with the legal fraternity.
Lawyers in subordinate courts have boycotted court proceedings, while bar offices and chambers observed black flags in mourning. The Bar Council said the strike is a manifestation of lawyers’ unity, respect for the judiciary, and a renewed resolve against terrorism.
“The Punjab Bar Council strongly condemns the terrorist attack outside the Islamabad court as well as the incident at Cadet College Wana,” read the official statement. It added that foolproof security measures must be ensured to protect courts and members of the legal community nationwide.
Strikes and condemnations across Pakistan
In Karachi, the Karachi Bar Association announced a strike and temporarily locked courtroom doors after clearing protestors from premises. Thousands of court cases have been affected due to the suspension of legal proceedings.
Bar associations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also joined the protest. In Peshawar, member of the KP Bar Council Babar Yousafzai condemned the attacks, urging the government to take strict action against the elements involved and to restore law and order.
In Quetta, lawyers’ organizations, including the Balochistan Bar Council, announced a boycott of court proceedings and hoisted black flags on bar rooms. They also demanded the arrest of those responsible for the deadly attacks in Islamabad and Wana.
