LAHORE: The Punjab Bar Council has distanced itself from recent political statements attributed to some of its members, saying such remarks reflect their personal views and cannot be presented as the collective position of the legal community.
In a statement, the council said that the views expressed by a few members should not be regarded as the unanimous stance of the Pakistan Bar Council, Punjab Bar Council or the country’s entire legal fraternity.
The council stressed that in a democratic institution, the opinion of a limited number of individuals cannot be imposed as the view of the majority or the institution as a whole.
It also urged bar councils, bar associations and their representatives to exercise restraint while commenting on matters that are sub judice, particularly where such statements could influence judicial proceedings, affect institutional independence or undermine public confidence.
According to the Punjab Bar Council, matters pending before courts must be decided by the judiciary in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and all stakeholders should give priority to respecting the judicial process.
The council further said that bar platforms should not be used to advance the personal, political or party interests of any individual or group.
It maintained that it does not support statements or conduct aimed at using the collective platform of the legal community for political or personal objectives.
The Punjab Bar Council also warned against remarks that could create divisions within the lawyers’ community, saying the primary responsibility of bar councils is to support the rule of law, safeguard judicial independence and uphold the dignity of lawyers.
It said it is not the role of bar councils to impose an opinion in favour of or against any party before a court has ruled on a pending matter.
Reaffirming its institutional position, the Punjab Bar Council said it remains firmly committed to the Constitution of Pakistan, the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and respect for all constitutional and legal institutions.
The council called on all representatives of the legal fraternity to rise above personal disagreements and political affiliations and place the dignity, unity and institutional independence of the bar above individual interests.
It added that neutrality, responsible public statements and respect for the judicial process are essential standards for the legal community, particularly in matters that remain before the courts.
The Punjab Bar Council concluded that statements issued by a few individuals should not be portrayed as the collective voice of the entire legal fraternity.
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