The Punjab Bar Council has distanced itself from recent political statements issued by some of its members, making it clear that such statements represent their personal views and cannot be treated as the collective position of the entire legal community, the Pakistan Bar Council or the Punjab Bar Council.
The council said that in a democratic institution, the views of a few individuals cannot be imposed as the opinion of the majority or the institution as a whole.
The Punjab Bar Council advised bar councils, bar associations and their representatives to avoid issuing statements on matters currently before the courts that could affect judicial proceedings, institutional independence or public confidence.
It stressed that pending cases should be decided by the courts in accordance with the Constitution and law.
The council said respect for the judicial process should remain the priority of all concerned parties. The council also focused on that bar platforms should not be used to advance the personal, political or party interests of any individual or group.
It said it does not support statements or conduct aimed at achieving political objectives through collective bar institutions.
The primary role of bar councils, it added, is to support the rule of law, protect judicial independence and uphold the dignity of the legal profession.
The Punjab Bar Council reiterated its commitment to the Constitution of Pakistan, the rule of law, judicial independence and respect for all constitutional and legal institutions.
It urged lawyer representatives to rise above personal differences and political affiliations and prioritize the dignity, unity and institutional independence of the bar.
The council further maintained that expressing support for or opposition to any party in a pending case before a judicial decision is issued does not fall within the proper institutional role of bar councils.
Statement Comes Amid PTI-Government Dispute
The clarification comes amid an ongoing dispute between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the medical examination and possible transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital.
The government has maintained that Imran Khan’s medical examination was conducted in accordance with a Supreme Court order and that doctors from Shifa International Hospital were involved in the process. PTI, however, has objected that the court’s directions required his transfer to the hospital.
The Punjab Bar Council has sought to draw a clear institutional line, stressing that statements by individual members should not be presented as the collective voice of the legal fraternity.
