A single bench of Supreme Court here on Saturday ordered the concerned officials of Balochistan government to submit detailed report about the cases registered against lawyers in the province within a week, so that these could be reviewed from all aspects.
The order came when Imran-ul-Haq, Vice President Supreme Court Bar Association pointed out that cases registered against lawyers to be quashed in the province in order to end unrest prevailing among the legal community. He, however, lauded the performance of the administration and cooperation of police to lawyers in the province.
The bench headed by Acting Chief Justice, Justice Javed Iqbal was hearing suo moto reference against police action on peaceful rally of lawyers on March 21 in the provincial capital. Justice Javed Iqbal formed inquiry tribunal headed by Balochistan High Court Judge, Justice Ahmed Khan Lashari who submitted his report in the apex court.
The hearing was followed on the basis of the tribunal report. "No one should take any unconstitutional and unlawful step. Peaceful rally is constitutional right of lawyers and citizens. No one can impose ban on this constitutional right. Balochistan police and administration have taken effective steps for controlling and improving law and order situation and lawyers have also extended cooperation to them, the bench remarked.
The bench stated that it might take action against some police officials after affording opportunities of hearing them. Balochistan government was ordered to implement the directives issued by the inquiry tribunal in its report.
Chief Secretary Balochistan K.B. Rind stated that some miscreants were involved in the incident. He assured the bench that it would be ensured that such incidents do not occur in future.
IG Police Balochistan, Tariq Masood Khosa assured the court that all possible efforts would be made to ensure that all steps of police are in accordance with the law so that common man may not feel insecure.
He, however, pointed out that power could only be used in certain inevitable situation. City Nazim Maqbool Ahmed Lehri assured the bench that every step of the administration would be in accordance with the law. The government and administration would control law and order, remaining above personal interests and politics.
Advocate General Balochistan Salahuddin Mengal sought copy of the tribunal report from the court, which was not accepted in public interest. CCPO Quetta Raho Khan Brohi, Additional Secretary Home Shaukat Ali and other senior officials attended hearing of the case on notice of the court. The next hearing of the case will be announced later.