A major body of senior lawyers of the country urged Punjab government's Spokesperson Kausar Kazmi on Thursday to apologise to Azhar Siddique after the former slapped the latter during a political talk show earlier in the week.
The fracas reportedly took place on the television show Hum Dekhen Gey with Mansoor Ali Khan. During the show, the two exchanged heated words. Kazmi accused Siddique of resorting to personal attacks as the situation escalated. While the incident was not broadcast live, a behind-the-scenes video showed Kazmi rising and striking Siddique for his alleged uncouth remarks. The ensuing brawl lasted for four minutes.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) took note of the incident and issued a statement lamenting the alarming decline in political tolerance, patience, and courtesy among political representatives and public figures.
"Political temperaments have reached an all-time high, creating an atmosphere that is not only disparaging our democratic norms but also damaging for the very foundations of our political culture," read the statement issued by Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan Secretary Syed Ali Imran.
Throwing its weight behind its long-standing member, the SCBAP stated that Siddique was a respected advocate of the Supreme Court.
"This incident is deplorable and utterly unacceptable for this association," it said, adding, "This association is of the opinion that all political figures, whether from the ruling party or the opposition, must exhibit restraint during political debates."
The SCBA reiterated that the right to express differing opinions was fundamental in a democracy, and that dissenting voices must be given the space to be heard.
"Failing to do so will only serve to aggravate the already widespread political polarisation."
The association called upon all political actors to share equal responsibility for cultivating a sense of calm and decorum in the political sphere.
"Our collective duty is to foster an environment where political differences are addressed with respect and dignity so as to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and political discussions adhere to the highest standards of conduct."
The SCBAP expressed hope that Kazmi, a former journalist, would not hesitate to apologise to Siddique.