The annual elections for the District Bar Association Sujawal concluded on Wednesday with the Progressive Lawyers Forum emerging victorious in a closely fought battle against the Independent Lawyers Group. The forum's candidates clinched the top positions of President, General Secretary, and Treasurer, marking a significant shift in the local legal fraternity's leadership.
A Nail-Biting Presidential Contest
The race for the presidency set the tone for the entire election, delivering a dramatic finish. Qadir Khaskheli, representing the Progressive Lawyers Group, managed to secure the seat by a razor-thin margin. He garnered 26 votes, defeating his rival, Advocate Ayaz Nazar Ali Khowaja of the Independent Lawyers Group, who received 24 votes. The difference of just two votes underscored the intense competition between the two factions.
Victories for General Secretary and Treasurer
In the contest for General Secretary, Syed Ali Imran Shah secured a decisive victory. He defeated candidate Irfan Gul Memon by a significant margin, polling a total of 33 votes. For the position of Treasurer, Ali Raza Jat triumphed over Dewan Sunny Khanna, further solidifying the Progressive Lawyers Forum's hold on the association's key financial office.
Unresolved Tie for Vice President and Joint Secretary
The elections took an interesting turn when the votes for Vice President and Joint Secretary ended in a perfect deadlock. Candidates from both the Progressive Lawyers Group and the Independent Lawyers Group received 26 votes each for these two positions. As of the reporting time, the returning officer had not announced a decision on how to break this tie, leaving these seats temporarily undecided.
The electoral process saw a high level of participation from the local legal community. A total of 54 members exercised their democratic right to vote in the elections, which were held for the administrative term of 2026-27.
Acting President Sajad Ali Khowaja expressed his satisfaction with the proceedings, highlighting the smooth and democratic transfer of power and authority within the bar association. Meanwhile, the defeated presidential candidate from the Independent Lawyers Group, Advocate Ayaz Nazar Ali Khowaja, gracefully accepted the outcome. He extended his gratitude to his supporters and members of his group for their trust and backing throughout the electoral campaign.
The results signify a new chapter for the District Bar Association Sujawal, with the Progressive Lawyers Forum now at the helm of its executive body for the upcoming term.
