ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (Alliance News): A Judicial Commission meeting, chaired by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, convened today to discuss the appointment of eight new Supreme Court judges amid strong opposition from lawyers.
Protesting lawyers attempted to march toward the Red Zone but faced resistance from police, who deployed heavy security on Constitution Highway.
Lawyers initially blocked Srinagar Highway near Serena Chowk before deciding to move toward D-Chowk.
The road leading to the Supreme Court was closed, forcing the postponement of a scheduled civil trial case. Police also restricted lawyers’ access to the Supreme Court, only allowing Farooq H. Naik to enter, who demanded open access for all.
The All Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee staged a press conference, accusing the government of blocking roads to suppress their protest.
Prominent lawyer Ali Ahmed Kurd denounced the 26th Constitutional Amendment as unconstitutional, alleging that it aimed to manipulate judicial appointments. The Karachi Bar Association also condemned political interference in the judiciary and called for press freedom.
Meanwhile, six major lawyers’ organizations, including the Pakistan Bar Council and Supreme Court Bar, rejected the protest and expressed full support for the Judicial Commission’s meeting, affirming their commitment to judicial independence.
Amid the unrest, extraordinary security measures remain in place outside the Supreme Court, and metro bus services have been partially suspended.
