The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has asked President Dr. Arif Alvi to exercise his constitutional authority under Article 48 of the Constitution and set a date for elections since the country's general elections continue to be unpredictable.
The PBC also stated that lawyers will hold a countrywide strike on September 9 in demand of the announcement of the election date. This statement was made during the All-Pakistan Lawyers Representatives Conference held in the Supreme Court.
The lawyer's conference discussed critical topics, such as the conduct of the general elections, difficulties facing the legal profession, and the country’s ongoing economic crisis.
PBC Executive Committee Chairman Hassan Raza Pasha and Vice Chairman Haroon Rashid briefed the media about a resolution adopted by the conference asking the president to become involved in the situation.
Pasha stated in another resolution adopted by the conference that it was requested that all free utilities supplied to judges, generals, and bureaucrats be discontinued, and the caretaker setup should make sure this happens within a week.
He said that the conference had voiced serious concern over raids on the residences of lawyers and requested that missing people be brought before the courts. He said that lawyers carry out their responsibilities by following the law and the Constitution.
Pasha said, "Hearings on references filed against judges should be held as soon as possible," and he asked the appointed chief justice, Qazi Faez Isa, to move forward with the references.
He added that the PBC will also host a convention in Lahore, and lawyers will organize peaceful demonstrations and go on strike on September 9.
The President of Pakistan is authorized under Article 48 of the Constitution to declare the date of general elections, which must take place within the allotted 90 days, said Pasha.
On the other hand, Rashid expressed concern about the country's constitutional crisis, adding that despite the dissolution of national and provincial assemblies, general elections do not seem to be held within the stipulated time of 90 days.