A severe confrontation has erupted between lawyers and judicial staff following an alleged and violent attack on a civil judge at the Judicial Complex in Rawalpindi. The incident has sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity and the local administration, paralyzing routine judicial work and triggering widespread protests from both sides of the divide.
According to official police reports, the Civil Lines Police have formally registered a criminal case against seven lawyers. The accused individuals, which prominently include Muhammad Aslam Khan Niazi and Muhammad Farooq Aslam Khan, face serious legal charges under various provisions of the law, including Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged following allegations that the group of lawyers physically assaulted and injured Civil Judge Malik Ali Miran within the premises of the Judicial Complex. Law enforcement authorities stated that such attacks on members of the judiciary are treated with the utmost seriousness to maintain the rule of law and protect the dignity of the courts.
In immediate response to the registration of the terrorism-inclusive case against their colleagues, the District Bar Association strongly condemned the police action. The association called for a complete strike on Wednesday, urging all members to boycott judicial proceedings across various courts in the district.
The strike called by the bar association led to a near-total shutdown of legal proceedings, leaving hundreds of litigants stranded and unable to pursue their cases. The boycott effectively halted the delivery of justice for the day, causing significant distress to citizens who had traveled from distant areas to attend their hearings.
Meanwhile, the situation took a more volatile turn as judicial staff from various courts rose in fierce opposition to the lawyers. Expressing solidarity with the injured Civil Judge Malik Ali Miran, the administrative and judicial staff staged a powerful protest demonstration.
The protesting employees marched in a rally around the Judicial Complex, raising slogans and demanding strict legal action against the lawyers involved in the assault. They argued that the safety of court staff and judges must be guaranteed by the state, warning that they would not tolerate intimidation or violence within the judicial premises.
Due to these competing and parallel protests, demonstrations, and strikes by both the legal fraternity and the court employees, no court hearings could be conducted throughout Wednesday. The administration faced immense difficulties in restoring order within the complex.
Senior police officials and local administrative figures have been holding urgent consultative meetings to de-escalate the tensions between the two influential groups. Efforts are underway to engage leadership from both the District Bar Association and judicial employees to find a peaceful resolution.
As the investigation into the alleged attack continues, security around the Rawalpindi Judicial Complex has been significantly enhanced. Additional police contingents have been deployed to prevent any further flare-ups and to ensure that peace is maintained within the court boundaries.