"Support lawyers and judges in Pakistan"- Asma Jahngir

"Support lawyers and judges in Pakistan"

- Asma Jahngir

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by: Asma Jahangir

Advocate: Supreme Court of Pakistan

Chairperson: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

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I am fortunate to be under house arrest while my colleagues are suffering.

The Musharaf government has declared martial law to settle scores with lawyers and judges. While the terrorists remain on the loose and continue to occupy more space in Pakistan, senior lawyers are being tortured. The civil society of Pakistan urges bar associations all over the world to mobilize public opinion in favor of the judges and lawyers in Pakistan.

A large number of judges of superior courts are under-arrest. Thousands of lawyers are imprisoned, beaten and tortured. In particular the cases of Muneer A Malik, Aitzaz Ahsan, Tariq Mahmood and Ali Ahmed Kurd are serious. Muneer A Malik, the former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and leader of the lawyers' movement has been shifted to the notorious Attack Fort.

He is being tortured and is under the custody of the military intelligence. Tariq Mahmood, former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association,was imprisoned in Adiala jail. No one was allowed to see him and itis reported that he has been shifted to an unknown place.

Mr. Ali Ahmed Kurd, former Vice Chair of the Pakistan Bar Council is in the custody of military intelligence and being kept at an undisclosed place.

Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, President of the Supreme Court Bar is being kept in Adiayala jail in solitary confinement.

Representatives of bar associations should approach their governments to pressure the government of Pakistan to release all lawyers and judges and immediately provide access to Muneer A Malik, TariqMahmood, Ali Ahmed Kurd and Aitzaz Ahsan. The bars are also urged tohold press conferences in their country and express their solidaritywith the lawyers of Pakistan who are struggling to establish the ruleof law.

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Asma Jahangir

Advocate

Supreme Court of Pakistan

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Chairperson

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan