Islamabad, Pakistan: Lawyers in the Pakistan’s federal capital observed a strike on Monday to protest the arrest and sentencing of Advocate Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, boycotting court proceedings and bringing routine judicial work to a near standstill.

According to details, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) announced the strike in protest against the arrests, resulting in severe disruption of normal proceedings at the Islamabad High Court. Lawyers refrained from appearing before courts, except in cases of an urgent nature.

The Secretary of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association stated that a lawyers’ caravan would visit the district courts, where members of the legal fraternity would collectively record their protest.

In view of the strike, stringent security measures were put in place in and around the Islamabad High Court. A heavy police contingent was deployed outside the court premises, along with the presence of an armoured police vehicle, to maintain law and order.

The strike call was jointly issued by the Islamabad Bar Council, Islamabad High Court Bar Association, and the District Bar Association, demonstrating unity among lawyers across different forums in the capital.

During the hearing of a civil case at the Islamabad High Court, the issue of the lawyers’ strike was formally raised. Advocate Qaiser Abbas Gondal informed the court that the bar had announced a strike for the day, which was why Bar Secretary Manzoor Jajja was unable to appear.

Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Sarfraz Dogar, inquired about the reason for the strike. In response, the lawyer told the court that the protest was being held against the arrest of members of the bar.

Upon further inquiry by the Chief Justice, it was stated that Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha had been arrested. The Chief Justice then asked whether the individuals in question were being regarded as lawyers. The lawyer did not respond to the question.

Justice Sarfraz Dogar remarked that if the bar considered them to be lawyers, their views could be presented in chambers. Due to the ongoing strike, no progress could be made in the case, and the hearing was subsequently adjourned.

The strike once again highlighted tensions between the legal community and law enforcement authorities, as well as growing concerns within the bar over the treatment of lawyers and the protection of their rights.