February 25, 2007	Sunday	Safar 7, 1428

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LAHORE, Feb 24: Ahsan Bhoon of Progressive group of lawyers was elected president of Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) here on Saturday.

Mr Bhoon in a close contest defeated his strong opponent Nusrat Javed Bajwa of Professional group of lawyers. The winner got 3,573 votes and the looser secured 2,734. Of total registered 11,229 votes, 6,882 were polled. Two more candidates for the slot could only secure 40 and 24 votes.

The lawyers community termed the election results a setback overall, especially for the seats of president and secretary. Although both the presidential candidates had a neck and neck competition throughout canvassing, Mr Bajwa was considered to have an edge. The main reason for the edge was said to be his backing by the professionals, who had already won elections of Supreme Court Bar Association and Lahore Bar Association.

Mr Bhoon had earlier served as vice chairman of Punjab Bar Council, and at present he was a member of Pakistan Bar Council. Also served as president of Lahore Bar Association, Mr Bajwa had been a member of Punjab bar.

Ms Firdous Butt got 2,582 votes and was elected vice-president of the bar. Her opponents included Mian Aslam, who secured 2,346 votes, Waqar Sarwar Kharra, 358, and Naeem Arian, 970 votes.

Having secured 3,972 votes, Sarfraz Ahmad Cheema won the seat of secretary by defeating Chaudhry Jahanzaib Wahla, who got 2,312 votes.

Ms Ruby Hayat Awan was elected finance secretary with 3,181 votes. She defeated Farhad Tirmizi, who secured 3,000 votes and yet another candidate, Ziauddin Zia, got 138 votes.

Later, the winners addressed the lawyers, and promised to work sincerely for the community and restoration of the Constitution and democracy. Besides groups based on caste, which usually play an important role in the election, the winning president also had a support of PPP, who pledged to continue efforts against what he said unconstitutional steps of President Musharraf’s government. Lawyers changed slogans “go Musharraf go” after announcement of results.

Meanwhile, LHC Chief Justice Iftikhar Husain Chaudhry has congratulated the winners.