Karachi (HRNW): The Karachi Bar Association has announced that its protest against alleged police misconduct will continue until a case is registered regarding the alleged incident involving a lawyer.
Speaking at a press conference at the City Court, Karachi Bar President Aamir Nawaz Waraich stated that an incident allegedly occurred with Advocate Ashfaq on Thursday night, following which lawyers observed a strike and planned a sit-in outside the IG Sindh Office.
He said that the protest was postponed after the intervention of the Law Minister, with an understanding that the Inspector General of Sindh Police would visit the Karachi Bar office for talks. According to him, the meeting was scheduled for 11:30 a.m., but the IG Sindh did not arrive even by 1:30 p.m.
The Karachi Bar President alleged that an SHO slapped a lawyer and took him into custody. He stated that while crime control is necessary, police officials must perform their duties within the limits of the law.
He added that lawyers do not want to block roads or create inconvenience for citizens, but they have the right to protest when legal issues remain unresolved. He announced that lawyers would hold a sit-in outside the IG Sindh Office at 11:00 a.m. and that the protest would continue until a case is registered.
Karachi Bar General Secretary Arshad Shar stated during the press conference that a former member of the Karachi Bar Managing Committee and another lawyer were allegedly subjected to violence at Gulbahar Police Station.
He claimed that the DSP also acknowledged the alleged misconduct by the SHO and admitted that physical assault had taken place, which should lead to registration of a case.
According to Arshad Shar, the SSP had stated that departmental action, including possible demotion of the officer, would be taken. However, he argued that departmental action is an internal matter and cannot replace legal proceedings.
He also criticized the IG Sindh for not attending the scheduled meeting, saying that the protest outside the IG Office had been postponed based on assurances from the authorities, but the promised meeting had not taken place.
Human Rights Perspective
Public trust between law enforcement agencies and citizens is essential for the rule of law. Allegations of torture, physical abuse, or misuse of authority during detention or investigation require transparent, impartial, and effective inquiries. At the same time, police officials have a responsibility to perform their duties lawfully while ensuring that the legal rights and dignity of all citizens, including lawyers and detainees, are protected.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on statements made by Karachi Bar Association representatives. The police response and complete facts of the incident are awaited. The allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
