LAHORE, Feb 20: Lawyers here at a function through a resolution asked President Pervez Musharraf to quit power and pave way for a sovereign parliament and an independent judiciary.

The resolution was passed at ‘Bazm-i-Aitzaz’, where lawyers eulogised detained Supreme Court Bar Association President Aitzaz Ahsan for his role in the lawyers’ movement for the restoration of the deposed judges and the rule of law.

Former Lahore High Court Chief Justice Mian Allah Nawaz, Justice Sharif Hussain Bokhari (retiered), Zahid Bokhari, Malik Saeed Hasan advocate, Ahmad Saeed Hasan advocate and Sahir Mahmood Bhatti were present at the event arranged by former Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) secretary Shahid Mahmood Bhatti.

The speakers said Aitzaz attained the status of a legend and spearheaded a movement that played a pivotal role in holding of a relatively transparent election. They added the election proved to be a referendum against Gen Musharraf (retired), who had lost all justification to prolong his illegitimate rule.

Speaking on the occasion, former LHC chief justice Mian Allah Nawaz said Aitzaz by virtue of his role in the ongoing movement had earned more respect than judges, writers and intellectuals.

He said recently the Chief Justice of the Canadian Federal Court praised the Pakistani lawyers by declaring their movement as an example of carrying forward a “persuasive force” for the benefit of the masses.

“Though I have seen a lot of movements, the March 9 movement is definitely unique in its character because it seeks to implement the Objectives Resolution,” he said.

The lawyers seek an independent judiciary, a demand embodied in the resolution, he said. He added there was nothing wrong with the lawyers’ demand for a complete boycott of the election held under Musharraf regime. “It is because of your demand, they refrained from rigging the election,” he added.

He said the verdict of the electorate was simple: there could be no democracy without an independent judiciary. “If an independent judiciary did not keep a check on the powers of the executive, there was every likelihood that we see more dictators,” he added.

Justice Sharif Hussain (retired) said the way the lawyers remained glued to their movement for a year, ignoring their bread and butter, was remarkable. He believed the election had proved a vital step towards restoring the real democracy in the country.

He said a common man’s welfare rested with an independent judiciary, which could not be brought into existence without restoring the judges working before November 3.

Malik Saeed Hasan said Aitzaz was a brave man, a trait necessary for a leader. He praised Aitzaz for the courage he showed during lawyers’ agitation in Islamabad where he was hit by a brick. “Instead of running away, Aitzaz charged towards the policemen, who had cordoned off the area,” he added.

He said the incident inspired the lawyers’ community across Pakistan and made Gen Musharraf (retired) impose Pemra ban on live coverage of political events. He added Musharraf was afraid of Aitzaz because his courage destabilised the oligarchy of an autocratic state.

Ahmad Saeed Kirmani said Aitzaz through his actions proved he could even sacrifice his life for the cause he had undertaken.

“A leader must be brave, intelligent and honest - and Aitzaz has got all the characteristics,” he said.

Sahir Mahmood Bhatti advocate said the dark night of dictatorship was fading and the dawn of democracy was emerging because of the lawyers’ movement.

SCBA Secretary Amin Javed Bhatti and Shahid Mahmood Bhatti also spoke.