SCBA, LHCBA call for countrywide strike

LAHORE: Throwing its weight behind the stance taken by the Supreme Court Bar Association and Lahore High Court Bar Association, the Pakistan Bar Council on Tuesday announced holding a countrywide strike on Wednesday against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and demanded that he stand down immediately.

PBC Vice Chairman Ahsan Bhoon said that Joint Investigation Team’s report had proved that PM Nawaz and his family were guilty of corruption. Therefore, he said, Nawaz had lost justification to remain in office.

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference which was attended by the council’s office-bearers and some leading lawyers.

Ahsan also demanded that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and MNA captain (r) Muhammad Safdar step down. He requested the Supreme Court to take the Panamagate case to its logical end and disqualify those found guilty.

Ahsan also requested the court to take action against government ministers for using derogatory and threatening language against JIT members and SC judges.

He announced that the lawyers would observe countrywide strike across the country today (Wednesday) to press their demand and also announced that he would host an all-party conference on Panama Papers issue.

Supreme Court Bar Association’s Secretary Aftab Bajwa also announced they will observe a strike on Wednesday (today). He said members of the Sharif family were found guilty of doing corruption and making assets through illegal means. He mentioned Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar as tools for corruption and money laundering.

Source: The Express Tribune