Misappropriation of hostel complex funds may factor in SCBA polls.

ISLAMABAD -- Perceived misappropriation in the accounts of the Supreme Court Bar Association as well as the proposed housing scheme for lawyers at Maloot, Park Road, Islamabad, will be a decisive factor in the SCBA's upcoming elections, campaigning for which has already gained momentum.

Scheduled for Oct 31, the elections would see the SCBA's 3,100 members across the country determine who forms the 22-member cabinet for the term 2019-20.

The SCBA attained national significance after the successful lawyers' movement in 2007.

Both contesting groups are claiming and counter-claiming comfortable position to bag victory with ease.

The SCBA elections are always keenly watched by all since the association has become a forceful body of lawyers that plays pivotal role in national politics as well as acting as a bridge in situations like confrontation between two pillars of the state - the executive and the judiciary.

Both Independent Group and Professional Group claim they will comfortably win the Oct 31 vote

This time the Independent Group, which was earlier called Asma Group, has fielded former Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) vice chairman and Enrolment Committee member of the Supreme Court Qalbe Hassan, whereas the Professional Group or Hamid Khan Group - an equally dominant group in Punjab - is supporting Mohammad Shoaib Shaheen for the office of the presidency.

Polling day coincides with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam's (JUI-F) Azadi march that has created fears among lawyers that their elections may be disrupted due to expected unrest and disorder because of the march.

However, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman assured the Pakistan Bar Council leaders in a recent meeting that the march would not create any hindrance for the lawyers in their elections and that they would reach Islamabad in the evening. Besides, he said, JUI-F workers and supporters would also facilitate the lawyers in casting their votes.

Qalbe Hassan, a well-known figure in the lawyers' fraternity, has been a member of the enrolment committee for almost eight years.

Shoaib Shaheen had also served in the same position for eight months in 2016. Besides this, his professional standing in service matters is also well recognised in the community.

Mr Shaheen is trying to woo voters by reminding them that he has a number of judgements to his credit which reflects that he truly is a professional and a busy lawyer.

Observers believe that Mr Hassan's campaign has an edge over his opponent in view of...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT