The HRCP has voiced grave concern over a bomb blast in Quetta on Thursday and demanded prompt action to ensure protection of lawyers. In a statement issued here on Thursday, the Commission said: "It is difficult not to see the explosion in Quetta targeting Federal Shariat Court (FSC) Judge Zahoor Shawani.
"Fortunately, the FSC judge escaped injury but over a dozen people, including police personnel and civilians were injured. Amid the prevailing fear of violence among lawyers and judges in the provincial capital of Balochistan, it is difficult for them to carry out their functions independently and impartially, or even to move around.
"HRCP urges the government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the attacks against the legal community in Quetta with the aim to bring the perpetrators to justice. Without urgent steps for the security of lawyers and judicial officers it is difficult to see how they will be able to fulfil their functions independently and without pressure."