CJ Alia Neelam orders strict monitoring of court entry points, enhanced checks for all visitors
Security across Punjab’s courts including the Lahore High Court has been significantly tightened following the suicide blast outside the Islamabad District Court.
In response, Chief Justice Alia Neelam issued strict directives for immediate, comprehensive, and foolproof security to protect judges, court staff, lawyers, and litigants.
According to the Lahore High Court spokesperson, every entry point to court premises is being strictly monitored, while police and security officials have been deployed at all main gates.
Lawyers and litigants are now allowed to enter only after thorough security checks, creating heightened alertness but also delays in proceedings.
Punjab Lawyers Observe Province-Wide Strike
Amid rising security concerns, the Punjab Bar Council announced a complete strike in all subordinate courts across the province to mourn the Islamabad blast victims and express solidarity with the legal fraternity.
Court hearings were boycotted, bar offices remained closed, and black flags were hoisted outside chambers.
The Bar Council termed the strike a symbol of lawyers’ unity, their respect for the judiciary, and their determination to stand against terrorism.
The Council also condemned both the Islamabad suicide attack and the assault on Cadet College Wana, urging authorities to ensure foolproof security for courts nationwide.
Nationwide Protest Sweeps Legal Community
The shockwave of condemnation extended far beyond Punjab.
Sindh
In Karachi, the Karachi Bar Association called a strike and even temporarily locked courtroom doors after clearing protestors from the premises. Thousands of cases were affected as hearings came to a halt.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Bar associations across KP joined the protest.
In Peshawar, KP Bar Council member Babar Yousafzai demanded strong government action against the perpetrators and urged immediate steps to restore peace.
Balochistan
In Quetta, lawyers’ bodies including the Balochistan Bar Council boycotted court proceedings, raised black flags, and demanded arrests of those behind the deadly attacks in Islamabad and Wana.
A Legal System Under Strain
With enhanced security checks in Punjab and widespread strikes across multiple provinces, thousands of scheduled cases remain interrupted.
The Islamabad blast has not only impacted court operations but also triggered a unified national protest from the legal fraternity demanding justice, accountability, and safety for judicial institutions.