A RECENT incident involving a group of advocates has once again highlighted the extent of lawlessness that exists among many members of the legal community. There has been yet another incident where a group of lawyers, who reportedly included the honourable office bearers of the bar association, actively helped two men accused of murder escape from the court premises in Lahore on Wednesday. Similar scenes have been enacted so many times, that it hardly comes as a surprise that the reputation of lawyers has been tarnished and that the term ‘wukla-gardi’ is reserved for categorising acts of violence and other violations of the law by members of the bar. Yet there appears to be nothing to suggest that a review is under way of such appalling behaviour, or that a reversal of this dangerous trend is being urgently sought from within.

At the same time, it is true that the use of such physical force by professional groups to resolve an affair is not restricted to lawyers. Other professionals working in the public area, for instance, doctors, and also at times members of the media, have been found wanting in situations that have required them to prove the sterling credentials of their profession. This underscores the need for introspection — these professional associations must address the issue of growing rowdyism in their ranks and the urge to self-righteously dispense ‘justice’. Indeed, this is a sign of weakness, as it shows that by using violent means to achieve their goals these bodies are incapable of dealing with tough situations in a mature, wise manner. Indeed, the matter has reached such proportions that today not even a respected judge is safe from the wrath of the easily irritated lawyer who is sure he has — and may actually have — the weight of the entire bar behind him. It is time the bar associations gathered the courage and stood up with other counsel who do not believe in taking the law into their own hands.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2016