The Lahore Bar Association (LBA) has rejected the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments and warned of a possible nationwide boycott of court proceedings over mandatory biometric verification for case filing.
A lawyers’ convention held at a private hotel in Lahore was chaired by LBA President Irfan Hayat Bajwa and attended by representatives of bar associations from across Punjab, along with a large number of lawyers.
Addressing the gathering, Bajwa said the convention was not affiliated with any political party but was aimed at opposing the constitutional amendments.
He stated that bar associations continue to serve as key platforms for defending the Constitution and upholding the rule of law.
He strongly criticised restrictions imposed by the Punjab Bar Council on bar associations regarding strike calls, arguing that district bar associations should retain the authority to take action in support of lawyers’ rights.
The LBA president also opposed the newly introduced biometric verification system for litigants, saying it has created unnecessary difficulties for citizens in accessing justice.
He warned that lawyers would boycott court proceedings from Monday if the requirement was not withdrawn.
Speakers at the convention also condemned alleged extrajudicial killings by the Crime Control Department (CCD), terming its establishment unlawful.
They further criticised the transfer of judges from the Islamabad High Court to other high courts, calling it concerning for judicial independence.
