Lawyers demand release of Imran Khan
A declaration issued after the convention organized by the Lahore High Court Bar and the Lahore Bar's All Pakistan Lawyers Convention also demanded that all political workers "who have been subjected to enforced disappearances outside the constitutional and legal framework" be immediately released.
The convention also strongly condemned the recent amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), stating that these changes violate fundamental rights — freedom of expression and press.
"The lawyers also express solidarity with journalists and media workers across Pakistan who are struggling for freedom of speech," the declaration added.
The convention also defended Pakistan's rightful claim to water under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which India unilaterally suspended after a militant attack in held Kashmir on April 22.
"The declaration strongly condemns India's attack on Pakistan's sovereignty. The prompt response of the Pakistan Armed Forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force, is highly appreciated," it added.
Addressing the convention, senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja earlier said lawyers carry the great responsibility to tell the people that their vote was stolen in the February 2024 elections.
"A system built on lies has been imposed on us. The 26th Constitutional Amendment is part of that falsehood. After rigging the elections, there was an attempt to control our courts," he said.
Raja, who belongs to Imran Khan's PTI, said those who rigged the elections cannot tolerate democracy in this country. He said for 78 years, democracy has repeatedly been attacked.
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PTI calls protest start of struggle for justice
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Express Tribune
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Express Tribune
3 hours ago
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PTI on streets!
PTI is kick-starting a new political agitation from today, marking the two years of incarceration of former PM Imran Khan. That the opposition party is on a weak pitch - as it stands divided due to its internal differences and is pushed to the wall by the government - is for all to see. It will thus be a horrendous task for the party to mobilise a sizeable crowd and make its presence felt on the streets. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is understood to lead the movement and there isn't much certainty as to how Punjab and the federal capital's populace will respond, as they have been a victim of lethal crackdown in the past. This dizziness has apparently compelled PTI to chalk out a smart strategy wherein workers and supporters plan to "block roads, share their political heart and disperse peacefully". To what extent it succeeds in building a momentum of change through this 'guerilla campaign' is anybody's guess, but taking into account the vibrancy of the party on social media, it is set to create ripples and give a tough time to the coalition dispensation that is out to exterminate the opposition. The PTI has already launched a mass campaign as far as its overseas strength is concerned, and its media blitz in the Western capitals is making a qualified anti-government impact. The whirlpool tour of Khan's sons to the US, seeking their father's release, has galvanised the necessary sparks and their proposed visit to Pakistan is in need of being watched. Little is known about the role of the six-party opposition alliance, TTAP, in the protest. But what is certain is that the pestering instability is pushing the country to the cliff, and this new phase of revulsion will have its toll. The outcome rests in talking it out, and it's high time for the authorities to engage with the PTI. Many of its demands are worth accepting, like release of all prisoners, including Imran Khan, and provision of due political space. Will someone stand up and be counted from the corridors of power to usher in a thaw?
