On April 13, the Supreme Court suspended the application of the Supreme Court (Practise and Procedure) Act 2023. Despite the top court's order for a stay, the federal government announced the bill as an act on April 21.
The Balochistan Bar Council (BBC) and Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) conducted a lawyers' conference on Saturday at the Balochistan High Court.
Vice-chairmen, presidents and representatives of all provincial bar councils, high court bar associations, and district bar associations were present at the convention to voice their displeasure with the CJP's decision to not convene a larger bench to hear the elections case.
Barrister Salahuddin addressed the conference and questioned why the CJP constantly assigns delicate cases to particular judges. He claimed that the current crisis has affected the entire country and that the judicial problem was more significant than the election-related issue.
The lawyer argued that the CJP should create a larger bench given the existing circumstances. He assumed that there must be a justification for the chief judge's decision not to create a larger bench.
The top court calls on everyone to establish unity, but it does not do it by itself, according to advocate Imam Rizvi.
On the other hand, IHCBA Vice Chairman Adil Aziz said “The Supreme Court and the current government wished to leave us with a corrupt court.” He urged the public and lawyers to once again have faith in the supreme court.
SHCBA vice chairman Arif Abbasi agreed with Aziz's position and asserted that a judge should abstain from hearing a matter if the person doesn't want him to. Advocate Saleem Lashari of the Balochistan Bar Council believed that the Supreme Court decision led to the current turmoil.
"The situation would not have developed if the Supreme Court had not violated the Constitution. He claimed that the chief justice ought to have avoided getting involved in this situation.
On May 2 (Tuesday), the Supreme Court is scheduled to start hearing arguments arguing against the validity of the Supreme Court (Practise and Procedure) Act 2023.