LAHORE: The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has urged Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to resign over the government’s failure to prevent Monday’s terrorist attack on Islamabad district courts.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, PBC Vice Chairman Ramzan Chaudhry alleged that the minister’s negligence had led to the attack in the heart of the capital.

He asked the minister to take action against the police chief, commissioner and other officials concerned of Islamabad for the alleged negligence otherwise, he warned, lawyers would launch a movement against the government.

Mr Chaudhry demanded adequate security at all courts in a week with deployment of more security personnel.

He called upon the government to announce Rs10 million compensation for the family of each person killed in the attack and Rs5m for each injured.

Criticising the Supreme Court’s July 31, 2009 judgement, the lawyers’ leader said the judges of superior court had been illegally removed through the order and called for a review.

He said that bar councils were not being consulted on judges’ appointment and suggested amendments to the relevant rules to enable the councils to play a role in the process.