In the recent Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi High Court Bar Association (LHCBA)elections lawyers rejected the traditional dominant groups and exercised their right of vote independently, In Lahore : Asad Manzoor Butt from the Professional Group, led by Hamid Khan, and backed by PTI lawyers group secured victory as president, defeating Saqib Akram Gondal of the Independent Group.
With 6,195 votes, Butt’s win highlights the competitive nature of the legal fraternity in Lahore.
Qadir Bakhsh Chahal secured victory as Secretary with an impressive 7,119 votes, surpassing his opponent Qasim Ijaz Samra, who managed to garner only 3,553 votes.
Mian Sardar Ali Gahlan clinched the Vice President position with 3,344 votes, defeating Abdul Rahman Ranjha, who received 2,998 votes. Falk Naz Gill emerged victorious as Finance Secretary with 5,503 votes.
Following his win, Bar President Asad Manzoor Butt emphasized their commitment to upholding the rights of all Pakistanis, including Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, in the Multan High Court Bar Association (MHCBA) elections, Malik Sajjad Haider Maitla secured the president’s position with 4,147 votes, while his rival Rana Arif Kamal Noon received 1,905 votes.
The election, characterized by a peaceful environment, witnessed more than 50% turnout, with 6,052 votes cast out of 11,937 registered voters. Rigorous security measures were implemented, with over 500 policemen, including one SP, two DSPs, and five SHOs, ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual election.
In Bahawalpur, Sardar Abdul Basit Khan Baloch and Suhail Akhtar Alkara have been elected as President and General Secretary by obtaining 1440 and 1217 votes respectively. There 2825 votes were cast,Turnout was less than 50 %.
The elections, which drew attention from the legal community nationwide, featured 29,216 registered voters and 14 candidates. Conducted using a biometric system, the process upheld transparency and fairness. Mian Sardar Ali Gehlan emerged victorious as vice president, showcasing the diverse legal advocacy landscape in Lahore.
Butt’s presidency signifies shifting dynamics within the legal community, reflecting confidence in his leadership. The LHCBA’s role is crucial in representing lawyers’ interests and advocating for judicial independence and legal reforms.
As president, Butt faces the challenge of navigating legal advocacy complexities, promoting professional development, and fostering unity among lawyers.
The association is expected to address issues like access to justice and legal education standards under his leadership. The actions of the newly elected officials will be closely watched, reflecting their commitment to justice in Pakistan.