ISLAMABAD: Lawyer associations in Islamabad and Lahore have announced protest measures, including court boycotts, following the deadly suicide attack outside the Islamabad district court.
The Islamabad Bar Association has declared a three-day mourning period from November 12 to 14. All courts in the capital will observe this period to condemn what they called a “barbaric act.” In a statement, the association expressed deep concern over the loss of life and extended its condolences to the families of the victims.
The association emphasized that protecting citizens is the core responsibility of the government and its institutions. It has demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the attack. Furthermore, the bar announced it will convene a meeting with other lawyer groups to decide on a future course of action, insisting that effective steps must be taken to enhance security at all courts in Islamabad.
In a show of solidarity, the Lahore Bar Association has also announced a one-day complete strike tomorrow. They have joined the call for authorities to bring the country’s deteriorating law and order situation under control.
Meanwhile the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned Tuesday’s deadly suicide attack in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. Through a spokesperson, the UN chief expressed his profound sadness over the attack and called for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice.
The condemnation was delivered by Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq during the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York. “The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the reported suicide attack, and he extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a full recovery to those injured,” Haq stated in response to a question about the incident.
The attack targeted the District and Sessions Court building in Islamabad’s G-11 sector, a bustling area of the city. The powerful explosion, caused by a suicide bomber, killed at least 12 people and injured 36 others, according to initial reports. The blast caused panic and resulted in a severe emergency response operation, with victims rushed to nearby hospitals.
