QUETTA: The Balochistan Bar Council on Thursday strongly condemned the terror attack in Mastung that martyred a district and sessions judge and his security guard, describing it as an assault on the judiciary, the rule of law and Pakistan’s justice system.
In a statement, the council said the killing of judicial officers while they were performing their constitutional and legal duties was an act of terrorism that deserved the strongest condemnation.
The attack claimed the lives of District and Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and his security guard. Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari was critically injured.
The Bar Council expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured judge. It also pledged the legal community’s full solidarity with the judiciary.
To protest the attack and honor the victims, the council announced a two-day boycott of court proceedings across Balochistan and declared three days of mourning throughout the province.
Lawyers were urged to observe the strike and refrain from appearing before courts except in cases of an emergency nature.
The Bar Council called on the Balochistan government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate and effective measures to protect judges, lawyers, court staff and the public.
It said the rising number of militant attacks in the province had created fear and insecurity, adding that ensuring public safety was the state’s primary responsibility.
The council demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack and called for them to be brought to justice.
It also reaffirmed the legal fraternity’s commitment to stand united against terrorism and to defend the rule of law.
