Lahore Lawyers Protest KP Governor’s Rule, Announce Supreme Court Challenge

LAHORE, October 12: The Lahore High Court Bar Association and Lahore Bar Association have announced plans to challenge the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Supreme Court, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the measures.

The decision was announced on Monday following a joint meeting attended by senior lawyers and representatives of the legal community. Participants expressed concern over the suspension of the elected provincial government and called for the restoration of constitutional and democratic arrangements.

Those attending included Professional Group leader Hamid Khan, Lahore High Court Bar President Babar Murtaza Khan and Lahore Bar President Irfan Hayat Bajwa, along with other senior members of the legal community.

Lawyers stage protest in Lahore

Following the meeting, lawyers from both associations staged a protest rally towards GPO Chowk, chanting slogans against the federal government’s action in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A substantial police contingent was deployed in the area. Police stopped the protesting lawyers from proceeding onto Mall Road, according to the report.

The demonstration added to opposition from legal organisations over the emergency measures imposed in the province.

Supreme Court petition planned

Lahore High Court Bar President Babar Murtaza Khan said both bar associations had decided to jointly file a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule.

The announcement marks a planned legal challenge by the Lahore legal community. The filing of the Supreme Court petition had not been confirmed in the report at the time of publication.

Babar Murtaza Khan also said the Lawyers’ Action Committee would meet at the Karachi Bar on Tuesday to discuss the situation. The committee is expected to announce its future course of action after the meeting.

Wider legal opposition to KP measures

The federal government imposed emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, citing security concerns and the need for a coordinated response to militancy.

The move suspended the powers of the elected provincial government, triggering criticism from PTI and other opposition groups. Legal associations in other parts of Pakistan have also voiced concern over the measures and called for constitutional safeguards to be respected.

The proposed Supreme Court challenge and the Lawyers’ Action Committee’s upcoming meeting could shape the next phase of the legal community’s response. Further details will depend on the filing of the petition and decisions announced by the lawyers’ organisations.