A threatened new lawyers’ movement is unlikely to net the gains the legal fraternity secured the last time it took to the streets in 2007.
Bolstered by some judges, lawyers in the country have ramped up rhetoric against the “judicial reforms” introduced in the 26th Amendment. Many in the legal community believe the legislation is a direct attack on judicial independence, pointing to the looming appointment of new judges to the Supreme Court as evidence of the government’s efforts to “pack the judiciary.” Senior puisne judge Mansoor Ali Shah has indicated his belief in the same—through both letters to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and remarks in hearings of unrelated cases. The oft-repeated concern is that the 26th Amendment undermines the credibility of the legal system and disrupts the delicate balance of power essential for democratic governance. The simmering unrest is brewing into a perfect storm—provided the lawyers can unify on a simple platform.
Historically, Pakistan’s lawyers have demonstrated a robust capacity for mobilization, as most starkly evidenced during the 2007–2009 Lawyers’ Movement. Those demonstrations, however, were buoyed by a unique convergence of support from both political parties and key establishment figures. In the present circumstances, the establishment appears firmly aligned with the incumbent government, while opposition attempts to amass public agitation have yet to prove successful.
Another hit to any new lawyers’ movement is internal divisions within the legal community. Disagreements over strategy, ideology, and political affiliation have left the previously unified force fragmented, diluting any collective impact of dissent.
Despite these factors, conditions are ripe for a unified movement that comprises lawyers, opposition politicians and media—all of whom have separate axes to grind with the present setup. Opposition lawmakers have just marked the first anniversary of the 2024 general elections, renewing demands for the formation of a “legitimate” government. Journalists, meanwhile, are demanding the reversal of amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, arguing the legislation’s sole aim is to stifle freedom of expression. If these forces can align, they can sow discord the government can ill-afford, especially as the country continues to inch toward economic prosperity.
Pakistan is currently at a critical juncture where stability is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for sustainable progress. Achieving the same, however, requires all stakeholders to take a step back, unite on a single platform, and recommit to the principles of democratic governance. Unless Pakistan can achieve unity, it will continue to teeter on the brink of instability, hampering any attempt to ensure a future where progress and justice go hand in hand.