Daily Times

LAHORE: At least two lawyers were killed and two sustained injuries as a scuffle broke out over a property dispute between two groups of lawyers outside a sessions court on Tuesday

The incident took place outside the courtroom of Judge Taseerur Rehman. The firing incident has exposed the security lapses where a number of under-trial prisoners appear before the courts daily for hearing of different cases.

This is the second incident of firing at the Lahore sessions court in a month. Ealier, an under-trial prisoner facing murder charges and a policeman were shot dead. The killer in this case is still at large.

The deceased lawyers have been identified as advocates Nadeem Rajput and Malik Owais.

The accused, also a lawyer, has identified as Kashif. Soon after the incident, a heavy contingent of police arrived at the court and cordoned off the area. All entry and exit points were sealed and a search operation was launched

Police said the accused Kashif and victim Nadeem were cousins and a personal enmity was the motive behind the murder. Police said Nadeem was killed on the spot while Malik Owais breathed his last on the way to a hospital. Police shifted the dead bodies to a morgue for autopsies and did not register the case till the filing of this report.

While speaking to the media, SSP Investigation Mubasher Mekan said the Session Court where the firing incident occurred was secured with walk-through gates.

However, he added, lawyers are not frisked thoroughly as those deployed for security do not find it right to stop them for checking at entry point.

“After hearing of the case, Kashif and Nadeem exchanged harsh words that led to a brawl between them. Before police intervention, Kashif pulled out a pistol and opened fire on Nadem, Owais and leaving them seriously injured,” SSP investigation said. He added they had been in litigation for the last one year or so. He said police were investigating as to how the suspect managed to bring a weapon to the court.

Meanwhile, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Yawar Ali has summoned a security meeting, seeking a report from Punjab IG and Lahore CCPO on the incident.

The vice chairperson of Punjab Bar Council, representatives of Pakistan Bar Council and presidents of LHC Bar Association and Lahore Bar Association will also participate in the meeting.

Published in Daily Times, February  21^st 2018.