Lawyers in Lahore have warned of a possible boycott of court proceedings over the mandatory biometric verification requirement for filing cases, calling the move burdensome for litigants and legal professionals.
Read More: Punjab courts enforce biometric checks to stop fraud
The warning came during a lawyers’ convention organised by the Lahore Bar Association (LBA), where representatives from bar associations across Punjab gathered to discuss legal and constitutional issues affecting the profession.
The convention was presided over by LBA President Irfan Hayat Bajwa and attended by elected office-bearers and lawyers from multiple districts. Participants voiced opposition to the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, saying the gathering was focused on constitutional and legal concerns rather than party politics.
Addressing attendees, Bajwa said bar associations have historically served as platforms for defending the Constitution, judicial independence and the rule of law. He criticised restrictions imposed by the Punjab Bar Council on bar associations regarding strike calls, arguing that local bars should retain the authority to announce protests or boycotts within their jurisdictions.
A major concern raised at the convention was the recently introduced biometric verification system for litigants seeking to file cases. Lawyers argued that the requirement has created additional hurdles for citizens visiting courts and complicated procedures instead of improving efficiency.
Bajwa said the system was adding unnecessary difficulties for the public and warned that lawyers would begin boycotting court proceedings from Monday if the biometric verification condition for filing cases was not withdrawn.
Speakers at the convention also criticised alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the Crime Control Department (CCD), claiming the body had been established without proper legal basis.
In addition, participants expressed concern over the transfer of judges from the Islamabad High Court to other high courts, calling for greater transparency in judicial matters.
Read More: Polling begins for Lahore High Court Bar elections
The convention concluded with a renewed commitment by lawyers to continue raising concerns related to constitutional amendments, judicial reforms and legal rights, while urging authorities to review policies they believe are negatively affecting access to justice.