Mian Rauf Atta from Asma Jahangir's Independent Group has been elected as the new president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), receiving 1,270 votes. He defeated Munir Kakar from Hamid Khan's group, who garnered 1,115 votes. Salman Mansoor from Hamid Khan's group was elected as the SCBA secretary.
The election results showed that Atta won in cities like Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Bahawalpur, while the Hamid Khan group only secured victories in Karachi and Quetta. Overall, the Independent Group won 14 out of 17 positions, leaving the Hamid Khan Group with three.
While talking to journalists, newly-elected President Rauf Atta emphasized the importance of respecting the legal profession. He assured that his group would continue to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. "There will be no compromise on the respect of the black coat," he stated, reinforcing their commitment to legal principles.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar congratulated the members of the Independent Group, including Masood Chishti, M Hafeezur Rehman, and Ramzan Chaudhry, for their victories. He remarked that interference in legal institutions would not be tolerated, emphasizing that "Parliament is supreme" and that the dignity of the judiciary must be protected.
Ahsan Bhoon, the former SCBA president, noted that lawyers showed confidence in the Independent Group's leadership. He stressed the importance of parliamentary privilege in constitutional amendments and stated that the welfare of lawyers remains a priority for their group. He also criticized Hamid Khan's group, suggesting that they were more politically driven, while his group focuses on constitutional issues.
Mansoor, the new SCBA secretary, expressed his commitment to improving the justice system. He warned that certain constitutional amendments could harm the justice system, describing them as detrimental to the public.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his congratulations to Rauf Atta and Ahsan Bhoon on their election wins. He expressed confidence that the new leaders would continue to advocate for the welfare of the lawyer community and play a constructive role in addressing issues faced by them. The Prime Minister highlighted the lawyer community's vital role in supporting constitutional amendments and ensuring the supremacy of parliament.