Syed Hussain Murtaza on Wednesday criticised the proposed Habitual Offenders Bill, alleging that the country was facing inflation, unemployment and constitutional violations, and urged the legal fraternity to play its role in protecting constitutional rights.
Seminar on Proposed Legislation
Speaking as chief guest at a seminar on the proposed legislation organised by the People’s Lawyers Forum Punjab at Karachi Shuhada Hall, Murtaza alleged that political workers continued to face arrests and extrajudicial actions, adding that lawyers had a responsibility to help steer the country out of what he termed a constitutional crisis.
The seminar was also addressed by columnist and lawyer Abid Saqi, analyst Mehmal Sarfraz, Professor Syed Azeem, Malik Imran Khokhar and Asif Baloch, while Mudassar Riaz moderated the event. A large number of lawyers attended the seminar.
Concerns Over Authoritarian Mindset
Murtaza said lawyers had historically been at the forefront of democratic movements and expressed concern that the proposed legislation reflected what he described as an authoritarian mindset. He emphasised that the bill could undermine due process and civil liberties.
Sohail Warraich said lawyers were custodians of democracy, the Constitution and the rule of law. He urged the legal community to raise its voice against the proposed bill, arguing that it could undermine due process and civil liberties.
Legal and Democratic Opposition
Abid Saqi said the legislation should be opposed through legal and democratic means, while Mehmal Sarfraz questioned why lawmakers had not raised objections during the bill’s consideration, describing it as more alarming than previous public order laws.
Professor Syed Azeem argued that the proposed law would transfer powers from the judiciary to the administration and warned that it could criminalise individuals on the basis of suspicion.
Role of Legal Fraternity
Other speakers, including Azeem Hafeez, Asif Baloch and Malik Imran Khokhar, said the legal fraternity had a vital role in safeguarding constitutional and human rights and preserving democratic values. They reiterated the need for lawyers to remain vigilant against any legislation that threatens fundamental rights.
