LAHORE: The Punjab Bar Council (PbBC) has expressed its concern over the registration of terrorism cases against lawyers and demanded constitution of a joint committee with representation of police, prosecution and the bar.

In a letter written to Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, PbBC Vice Chairman Babar Waheed says the matter has become increasingly problematic and is adversely affecting the professional lives of legal community.

He states that there has been a worrying trend of lodging terrorism cases against lawyers, which not only tarnishes their reputation but also hampers their professional performance.

He argues that targeting lawyers and filing ‘baseless’ terrorism charges against them is a grave issue that requires immediate resolution. He regrets that despite protection provided under the Lawyers Welfare and Protection Act 2023, the problem of filing FIRs under section 7 of ATA against lawyers persists.

Mr Waheed requests the law minister to take the matter seriously and implement appropriate legislation to prevent the fling of terrorism cases against lawyers.

He demands formulation of a joint committee comprising police officials, district prosecutor and member of the bar council concerned, which will decide prior to registration of an FIR under section 7 of ATA.

He argues that permission by the joint committee should be mandatory prior to registration of such FIR against a lawyer.

The vice chairman asks the law minister that a prompt action in this regard will restore confidence among the legal community and enable them to perform their professional duties without fear.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2024