Conflict between SCBA, PBC reaches Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD: The conflict between Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has intensified after the issuance of show cause notices.

The SCBA President Abid Zuberi and Secretary Muqtadir Akhtar Shabbir approached the Supreme Court (SC) to challenge the show cause notices issued by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC). The SCBA sought nullification of the PBC show cause notices and termed the action ‘illegal, violation of Article 9 and political’

The SCBA president and secretary stated in their petition that the federal law minister is a PBC member and the council is inclined towards the government. It added that PBC issued the show cause notice to the SCBA secretary ‘on a political basis’ which is illegal, out of jurisdiction and a violation of Article 9.

The SCBA pleaded with the apex court to stop PBC’s interference in SCBA affairs. Pakistan Bar Council and executive committee were made parties in the petition.

The SCBA filed the petition against the PBC’s show cause notices through advocate Hamid Khan.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association made a response move against the Pakistan Bar Council and notified the suspension of seven PBC members including Hassan Raza Pasha, Amjad Shah, Riyazat Ali Seher, Tariq Afridi, Masood Chishti, Ahsan Bhoon and Qalb Hassan Shah.

The association referred the matter to the general body for its final approval after suspending the memberships.

The SCBA secretary termed the executive committee’s decision ‘contempt of court’. Secretary Muqtadir Akhtar Shabbir said PBC wants to take over SCBA.