Karachi (May 12, 2017): Legal fraternity is observing complete strike and boycotting court proceedings as they are observing Black Day against the May 12, 2007’s carnage in port city.
On May 12, 2007, some 48 people were killed and score injured and several vehicles burnt on one of the bloodiest days in Karachi’s history, when the then deposed Chief Justice (CJ) of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was scheduled to address a function at Sindh High Court. Opposition parties had announced to accord warm welcome to the then CJP in the city. The MQM, who at the time backed Musharraf, organised a counter-rally, leading eventually to violent clashes.
As 10 years have passed since the carnage, no one from the perpetrators were sentenced and even those arrested were set free on bail.
Lawyers across the province are observing Black Day against the carnage and boycotting court proceedings. Black flags have been hoisted atop the bar rooms and general body meetings of lawyers associations are being held to denounce those behind the bloodshed.
In Karachi, lawyers are also observing strike by staying away from court proceedings in Sindh High Court and lower courts. Litigants are facing problems due to the lawyers’ strike.
Sindh High Court Bar Association and Karachi Bar Association held separate general body meeting on the May 12 mayhem. During the meeting, resolution condemning the carnage and demanding to bring those responsible for the bloodshed to justice were passed.
It is to be mentioned here that the then deposed CJP was to address at SHCBA function and he flowed to the port city. But he was not allowed to leave Karachi airport for attending the event and widespread violence and arsons hit the city.
A number of petitions, including a suo motu, were filed over the incident but proceedings were subsequently dropped after Musharraf declared an emergency in the country and suspended the constitution.
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