Lawyers of the District Bar Association Timergara in Lower Dir completely boycotted court proceedings in response to an appeal filed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council against the Peshawar High Court’s decision to withdraw its authority to make decisions under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO).
The boycott disrupted court proceedings and caused difficulties for litigants, particularly those who had travelled from distant areas to attend hearings. Several cases were postponed as lawyers did not appear before the courts, leaving litigants waiting outside court premises throughout the day.
Bar Leaders Criticise Decision on 3-MPO Powers
Speaking to the media, District Bar Association Timergara President Muhammad Saleem Advocate and General Secretary Malik Zakir Advocate described the withdrawal of the Peshawar High Court’s authority under Section 3-MPO as an attack on the judiciary.
They said the constitutional court’s decision was contrary to the principles of justice and could undermine judicial independence while adversely affecting the fundamental rights of ordinary citizens.
The bar leaders maintained that detention without trial under 3-MPO was already a stringent legal provision and that removing judicial oversight over such detentions went against the principles of justice.
They emphasised that providing justice to citizens was a fundamental responsibility of the courts and that depriving the judiciary of this authority was unacceptable.
Lawyers Demand Restoration of Judicial Powers
The lawyers demanded a review of the decision and restoration of judicial powers under 3-MPO.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the struggle for judicial independence and the supremacy of the Constitution at every level.
The bar representatives said the boycott had been observed in response to a call by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council.
They warned that if their demands were not accepted, the scope of the protest would be expanded further.