IT is tragic that in this country those tasked with enforcing the law or practising it are often the ones who make a complete mockery of it. Lower courts in Karachi remained shut on Wednesday as judges refused to hear cases in protest against the alleged misbehaviour of some lawyers with a judicial magistrate. The magistrate had convicted a lawyer and her husband of fraud on Tuesday, after which a group of lawyers invaded his courtroom and started chanting slogans against the conviction. Sadly, the past few years have seen several incidents involving the high-handedness of lawyers, including cases of black coats physically assaulting judges as well as one another. Journalists have not escaped their wrath, while policemen, too, have received beatings, as in 2010 when lawyers thrashed a police officer and helped an accused man — reportedly related to one of the lawyers — escape custody in Lahore. We must also recall that the offices of an NGO offering free legal aid to prisoners were forcibly shut down by a group of lawyers in Karachi last year.

While most of those who wield power and influence in Pakistan flout the law at will, those who are supposed to be well-versed in it are expected to uphold and respect it. These actions by sections of the legal community are therefore alarming. But what is equally disturbing is the lack of condemnation coming from within the community. While there has been criticism of such lawlessness from some experienced jurists, many senior practising lawyers have remained silent, careful not to offend members of their fraternity. Such an attitude is unacceptable. It is essential that bar councils and senior lawyers nationwide censure those who indulge in thuggish behaviour to ensure that a few black sheep do not end up defaming the whole legal community.