A delegation of Punjab Bar Council headed by Mr. Farhan Shahzad, Vice Chairman and comprising Mian Arshad Ali, Chairman PLJ Committee called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Gulzar Ahmed in Supreme Court Islamabad today.
Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan welcomed the delegation and said that tedious task of dispensation of justice is entrusted upon institution of judiciary which cannot be fulfilled without proper assistance of bar, therefore both bench and bar should work hard for dispensation of justice so that aggrieved parties can get prompt relief. Being the part of same system, bench and bar have close cordial nexus, therefore, I always visit bar associations whenever invited. His lordship further added that it has been observed that there is trend of strikes by bar associations on petty affairs that not only affect court business as most of the cases are adjourned, but also enhances despondencies of litigants that causes bad name for the institution of judiciary. This practice needs to be discouraged to uphold dignity, integrity, respect, honour and sanctity of the profession and institution.
The bar members informed his lordship that the practice of strikes has been discouraged upto 95% in Punjab. They discussed the issue of faulty investigation in criminal justice system. The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan told them that issue will be discussed at the forum of Police Reforms Committee in the forthcoming meeting. They further pointed out that there are insufficient security measures in court premises due to which many incidents of security breach have been reported and no action has ever been taken against the delinquents. They also informed that Punjab Bar being a regulatory body has enhanced the internal accountability system and disciplinary action has been taken against lawyers on account of misconduct but their appeals are still pending with disciplinary tribunals which are not effectively functioning.
The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan assured them that the matter will be taken with the concerned quarters. They thanked the Hon’ble Chief Justice for sparing time for them and presented souvenir as token of respect and gesture of goodwill. The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the delegation.
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