KARACHI, March 16: The Sindh High Court Bar Association called on Wednesday for constitution of a tribunal, comprising a high court judge, to inquire into police lathi-charge on and tear-gassing of a lawyers’ procession in Rawalpindi. Condemning the ‘unwarranted’ use of force, an SHCBA resolution said the Rawalpindi lawyers were protesting against police excesses on their fellow professionals at Gujar Khan, ‘some of whom received severe injuries following a brute police assault’.

The association said the action exposed government claims of good and democratic governance. It was aimed at suppressing all dissent and protest against bad governance and undemocratic policies. In contrast, the government encouraged rallies and gatherings held in its support.

Seeking action against the police officers found responsible for use of violence by the tribunal, the association warned that lawyers would be forced to take recourse to a country-wide protest campaign if no action was taken against the offenders.