ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Friday strongly condemned the cowardly attack and vandalization of the residence of former Punjab CM Ch Parvaiz Elahi by the Anti-Corruption Establishment team over the so-called charges of corruption.
President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Barrister Abid S. Zuberi and Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir, Secretary SCBA, stated they stand with the rule of law, the supremacy of the Constitution and the independence of the institutions and in doing so, they termed this attack an attack on the independence of the bar and judiciary.
In a press release issued on Saturday, the SCBA office-bearers termed the act unlawful, saying such politically-motivated acts are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic society.
It is pertinent to mention that the Lahore High Court Lahore, had already granted bail to former Chief Minister Punjab in said case.
“We strongly believe that every citizen of Pakistan has the constitutional right to live in peace and security, as enshrined in Article 9 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which states that ‘no person shall be deprived of life or liberty’.
The SCBA office-bearers pointed out that being citizen of this country, Ch Pervaiz Elahi rights are protected under Art 4 read with Art 10A and Art 14 of the Constitution. The SCBA termed raid on former Chief Minister Punjab house as a sheer violation of constitutional fundamental rights. “We urge the government of Pakistan to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice”, the SCBA demanded.
While urging for a thorough investigation into the raid in order to ensure that culprits are held accountable for their actions, the SCBA said it is the government’s duty to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. “We stand in solidarity with former Chief Minister Punjab and his family during this difficult time and extend our deepest sympathies to them. We also urge the government to take all necessary measures to protect the safety and security of all politicians and citizens in the country”, the SCBA press release concluded.
