News In Focus
19 November 2007
Petition open to support Pakistan lawyers
Lawyers and others concerned at the threat to the rule of law in Pakistan caused by the current emergency measures, can add their names to a petition begun by the Law Society of England & Wales.
The petition asserts that the arbitrary arrest of lawyers undermines the independence of the legal profession; that judicial independence is violated by requiring them to uphold the emergency measures or face removal from office or even arrest; that the rule of law is imperilled when safeguards are removed and fundamental freedoms in the constitution suspended; and calls on the Pakistani authorities to reverse these measures and reinstate the constitution.
Richard Henderson, President of the Law Society of Scotland, wrote earlier this month to Pakistani diplomatic representatives in this country, expressing his concern for the rule of law. Positive feedback has been received from the profession and the Society is urging Scottish solicitors to support the petition.
Anyone wishing to add their name can find the petition at http://international.lawsociety.org.uk/petition .