LAWYERS’ groups have come up with varied responses to the recent Panama Papers ruling by the Supreme Court. On Saturday, the Lahore High Court Bar Association threatened to organise an immediate countrywide ‘long march’ against the government, bluntly asking Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down. The Pakistan Bar Council has shown a more nuanced, rational approach and has termed the LHCBA’s sudden call for action for the removal of Mr Sharif premature. This disagreement has led to speculation about the intention of the lawyers, especially given the recent evidence of political polarisation within the bar. Pakistan’s lawyers today may be more partisan than they have ever been in the past, their penchant for dabbling in politics at all times in the country’s history notwithstanding. There is no doubt that the bar cuts across party lines, and partisan attitudes are quite often blamed for the thwarting of efforts towards a continuous, inherent reform process and a code that is essential for all professions. In this particular case, discipline was deemed all the more necessary after the success of the movement for the restoration of Iftikhar Chaudhry as chief justice of Pakistan. It was pointed out — and the assertion was backed by a series of events — that this particular victory had emboldened elements amongst the lawyers to an extent where they were in danger of losing the fine balance that had distinguished the community.

The argument that many lawyers in the country are tempted to be indiscreet has re-emerged in the wake of the LHCBA’s warning of a ‘long march’ for the removal of Mr Sharif. But while the PBC rap on the knuckles of the aspiring marchers would appear to second that impression, insiders volunteer quieter, more subtle explanations. Tellingly, the PBC has not ruled out a protest — a big protest — across the country. What it has admonished the LHCBA for is a decision taken in haste — without taking on board other lawyers organisations. Disapproved clearly is the solo flight of the Lahore lawyers who seem to be seeking to take all the credit for challenging the government. What the government must note is that the idea of the protest has not been rejected. The lawyers’ protest is still looming, and given its objective — the resignation of an elected prime minister — it is likely to deepen the political divide within the bar.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2017