LARKANA: The Sindh High Court Bar Association, Larkana, has raised serious objections to the provincial government’s appointment of several additional advocates general and assistant advocates general, saying the selections appear to have been made on the basis of political affiliation and personal connections rather than professional merit.

The criticism targets Notification No. S. GENL:6-4/2021, dated April 27, 2026, issued by the Sindh Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Criminal Prosec­ution Department.

General secretary Asif Hussain Chandio, speaking to Dawn on Friday, said the appointments had created a widespread perception within the legal fraternity that merit, transparency and professional excellence had not been given due consideration.

Terms selection ‘favouritism, politically motivated’

Many competent and experienced advocates had been overlooked, he said, while several appointees appeared to have been selected through “pick-and-choose criteria”.

Chandio also alleged that a number of law officers appointed in previous tenures had continued to draw substantial salaries, privileges and benefits from public funds despite making little or no effective appearance before the courts in government matters.

“Public funds must be utilised responsibly and appointments should be linked with performance, competence and accountability,” he said.

The association called on the Sindh government to review its appointment mechanism and establish clear, transparent criteria based on merit, courtroom performance, legal expertise and integrity.

“The legal fraternity stands committed to the rule of law, institutional independence and meritocracy, and will continue to raise its voice against arbitrary appointments that compromise these fundamental principles,” Chandio said.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026