The lawyers' weekly protest for reinstatement of the judges was strengthened and more protesters, including lawyers, activists of civil society, and different political parties joined the rally as compared to their previous rallies under scorching sun because of pleasant weather here on Thursday. It was observed there was an unusually large number of protesters on The Mall.
The ideal weather which, remained consistent since morning, brought out the protesters who also spent much time on the road than in all previous rallies. However, unexpectedly only a few number of activists of Jamat-e-Islami, joined the holding only 3 party flags. Among others who joined the rally were activists of PML-N, Pakhtoonkhawa Milli Awami Party, Tehrik-e-Insaf, Tehrik-e-Khaksar, Labour Party and Concerned Citizens of Pakistan.
The activists were holding flags of their respective parties and chanted slogans in favour of their respective leaders. PML-N MPA Dr Saeed Elahi with a handful of his supporters, a dozen individuals of Christian community also joined the rally.
Lahore Bar Association lawyers after holding their general house meeting joined the Lahore High Court Bar Association lawyers at GPO Chowk. Merging into one rally, the lawyers coupled with other protesters marched towards the Punjab Assembly Building chanting slogans against the government and in favour of the sacked judges. Traders of Hall Road market also showered rose petals on the protesters.
Earlier in the general house meeting of the LHCBA, speakers stressed the importance of restoration of the deposed judges. They also criticised the government over delaying the restoration and termed it as mala fide intention of the government. They said lawyers movement would continue till the restoration of all judges.
They said August 14 was the deadline for the government to restore the judges otherwise they could adopt any measures, including blocking the courts, holding long march, staging country wide sit-ins and starting civil disobedience movement. Pakistan Bar Council Member Hamid Khan, LHCBA President Anwar Kamal, Vice-President Mian Muhammad Aslam and Supreme Court Bar Association Secretary Chaudhry Amin Javed were among the speakers.