GUJRANWALA, May 15: Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday paid tributes to lawyers for launching a movement in support of judiciary.

“You have filled the leadership gap in the country,” he told the Gujranwala bar. He was of the view that country could be put on road to progress after the independence of all institutions, including the judiciary. He appreciated the media role during the current crisis and urged journalists to continue their work without any fear and favour.

He accused President Musharraf of giving a free hand to the MQM to disrupt the CJ rally/bar address in Karachi on May 12 by shedding blood.

Earlier, bar president Ilyas Rehan and general secretary Amir Munir Bagri warmly welcomed Khan when he reached the district courts. Several lawyers on the occasion announced to join his party. He also addressed a workers’ convention.