The Balochistan Bar Council (BBC) on Tuesday expressed strong condemnation of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s (JCP) decision to suspend the confirmation of Justice Ayub Tareen, citing the judge’s brother’s political affiliation.
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The council described the move as unjust, discriminatory, and a violation of judicial independence. It also announced a province-wide court strike on Wednesday to protest the decision, demanding that the JCP immediately review and reconsider its stance.
BBC leaders, including Vice Chairman Jadeen Dashti and Executive Committee Chairman Ayaz Khan Mandokhail, emphasised that Justice Tareen enjoys an unblemished reputation for integrity, impartiality, and professional competence. They noted that no allegations of corruption, bias, or incompetence have been made against him.
The council criticised the principle of holding a judge accountable for a relative’s political connections, terming it unconstitutional and a threat to the neutrality of the judiciary. Such practices, the statement said, promote the unfair concept of collective responsibility and erode public confidence in judicial institutions.
Reaffirming their commitment to uphold judicial independence, the BBC vowed to challenge any action that undermines the dignity and impartiality of the judiciary. The council also stressed that it would raise its voice at all legal and constitutional forums against such biased decisions.
Officials said the strike would affect courts across Balochistan, signalling the bar’s seriousness in defending judicial integrity. Lawyers and civil society members have expressed support for the BBC’s stance, citing the need to protect merit-based judicial appointments.
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The controversy comes amid growing concerns about political influence over Pakistan’s judicial system, highlighting tensions between professional legal bodies and the JCP regarding the criteria for confirming judges.