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Lawyers’ Convention Against 27th Amendment Sparks Rift at Sindh High Court Bar
A lawyers’ convention opposing the 27th Amendment turns contentious as SHC Bar office-bearers clash over authority to call the gathering; heavy security deployed outside SHC.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-22
Lawyers’ Convention Against 27th Amendment Sparks Rift at Sindh High Court Bar

A planned lawyers’ convention against the 27th Constitutional Amendment triggered internal tensions within the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) on Saturday, as senior office-bearers publicly disagreed over the authority to hold the event.

SHCBA General Secretary Mirza Sarfaraz announced the convention earlier this week. However, Bar President Sarfaraz Maitlo and members of the managing committee cancelled the gathering, arguing that the honorary secretary did not possess the constitutional authority to call such a convention without approval from the executive body.

Despite the cancellation order, the General Secretary of the SHCBA and the Karachi Bar Association went ahead with the plan. The convention is being held outside the Sindh High Court, on the road in front of the building.

Tensions Rise as Police Are Removed from SHC Gate

Strict security measures were put in place for the gathering, with police commandos and anti-riot personnel deployed at the High Court entrances. However, tensions escalated when lawyers reportedly forced the police personnel stationed at the SHC gate to leave the premises.

A convoy of lawyers from Sukkur also arrived to participate, where they were welcomed by General Secretary Mirza Sarfaraz.

General Secretary Defends Convention, Cites Commitment to Rule of Law

Speaking to reporters, Sarfaraz said the intention had been to hold the convention in the New Bar Room, but the Bar President and several committee members objected and cancelled the event. He added that the Sindh High Court Registrar had also issued an order stating that speeches and slogans could undermine the dignity of the court, especially as only administrative work is conducted at the High Court on Saturdays.

“We believe in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law,” Sarfaraz said, adding that the organizers decided to shift the convention outside the High Court after administrative resistance.

He stressed that the movement led by the lawyers was peaceful: “If anyone attempts to sabotage it, we will not be responsible.”

Backdrop: Opposition to the 27th Amendment

The convention is part of a broader legal community pushback against the recently introduced 27th Constitutional Amendment, which has triggered debates over judicial authority, structural changes, and the independence of the judiciary. Lawyers across the country have been organizing discussions, protests and conventions to voice their concerns.
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