BAI concerned at emergency in Pakistan

New Delhi, Nov 7 (UNI) The Bar Association of India today voiced alarm at the imposition of a state of emergency and suspension of constitution in Pakistan, saying the action has led to a fierce and highly repugnant attack on the neighbouring country's judges, independence of the judiciary and the legal profession.

BAI general secretary Lalit Bhasin said the violent measures taken to suppress Pakistan's lawyers were a matter of extreme concern to the international legal fraternity.

Denouncing the move by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf as a breach of both the rule of law and fundamental human rights there, Mr Bhasin said such an attack on the independence of the judiciary was unacceptable in any civiled society.

The lawyers' body heaped laurels on those judges in Pakistan who declined to take oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order promulgated by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and called on the authorities in Islamabad to restore the constitution in the country without delay.

UNI