Islamabad
A massive protest by lawyers erupted in Islamabad on Monday, causing chaos in the capital as they opposed a Supreme Court meeting to finalize the elevation of eight High Court judges. The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) moved forward with the meeting despite strong objections from legal groups and judges.
Lawyers have been protesting against recent judicial transfers, calling them an attempt to divide the judiciary. Authorities responded by blocking key routes to the Supreme Court, deploying additional security forces, and closing entry points to the Red Zone. The protest also disrupted Metro bus services between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, creating difficulties for commuters.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Supreme Court, chanting slogans in favor of judicial independence and carrying banners against the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which they called "unacceptable." The Lahore High Court Bar Association (LCBA) also urged the apex court to postpone the JCP meeting.
Tensions escalated after Justice Sarfaraz Dogar’s transfer from the Lahore High Court to the Islamabad High Court, followed by his swift nomination for the Supreme Court. Several Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court judges raised concerns over this process, questioning its fairness.
Despite calls for postponement, the JCP proceeded with its meeting, prompting lawyers to intensify their protests. They vowed continued demonstrations against what they see as an effort to weaken judicial independence in Pakistan.