GILGIT: Lawyers’ bodies in Gilgit-Baltistan on Wednesday extended the boycott of court proceedings till Sept 15 against the delay in filling of vacant posts in the region’s judiciary.

The decision was made at a joint meeting of the GB Bar Council, GB Supreme Appellate Court Bar Association, GB Chief Court Bar Association, and the district bar associations.

GB Bar Councilchairman Shafqat Wali chaired the meeting, according to a press release.

The participants decided to continue their protest against delay in filling of vacant posts in the Supreme Appellate Court, the Chief Court and the lower courts.

Earlier, the lawyers had announced boycott of courts from Aug 16 to Sept 1 to keep pressure on the government to fill the vacancies.

The meeting also demanded of the GB government to appoint lawyers as legal advisers on the 24 vacant posts in various departments.

Meanwhile, Justice Ali Baig was sworn in as the acting chief judge of the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltitstan.

GB Governor Raja Jalal Maqpoon administered the oath to him at a ceremony held in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan, ministers and other notables attended the oath-taking ceremony.

Former chief judge of Chief Court Malik Haq Nawaz retired on Tuesday.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2021