LAHORE: Lawyers observed countrywide strike against the verdict of the Lahore High Court (LHC) to arrest the president of Multan bench Sher Zaman Qureshi and secretary Qaisar Abbas over misconduct with the judges. Lawyers of the special federal court of customs taxation and anti smuggling also showed solidarity with Multan bar and observed full day strike.
On other hand, lawyers from cities including Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and others staged protests and boycott the court proceedings in their respective cities.
In aftermath of the strike, strict security arrangements were made in several cities. Police and Rangers personnel were deployed inside and outside LHC premises. The surrounding areas of the court were sealed while placing containers and barbed wires.
The litigants has faced immense troubles due to the absence of lawyers in several courts including customs court.
Following the court orders to detain president Multan bar, police raided his residence and arrested five of his relatives including his brother as Qureshi was not found in the house.
It all started when a larger bench of LHC ordered arrest of president Multan bench Sher Zaman Qureshi and secretary Qaisar Abbas. Lawyers created a ruckus in reaction and even attempted to enter LHC Chief Justice’s chamber.
They not only broke the main entrance gate but also smashed the walk through gate which was set for security reasons, torturing a policeman on duty and blocking the road for traffic later on. However; Anti-Riot Force (ARF) forced them out of the court premises by using water cannons and tear gas.
