The Independent Group has emerged victorious in the unofficial results of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) elections for the Punjab seats. According to preliminary results, 11 seats were contested from Punjab, out of which the Independent Group won eight seats, while the Professional Group managed to secure only two seats.
The remaining outcome is subject to official confirmation.
Prominent lawyer leader Ahsan Bhoon and Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar have been elected as members of the Pakistan Bar Council from Punjab.
Former President of the Lahore High Court Bar Association Hafiz-ur-Rehman Chaudhry has also been elected as a PBC member.
Other successful candidates include Syed Qalb Hassan, Pir Masood Chishti, Saqib Akram Gondal, Aamir Saeed Raan, and Tahir Nasrullah Waraich.
Following the completion of vote count, lawyer leader Ahsan Bhoon and Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar spoke to the media, terming the results a victory for the legal community and expressing hope that the newly elected council would work for the protection of lawyers’ rights and the strengthening of the legal system.
The final and official results are expected to be announced after formal confirmation by the election authorities.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Independent Group on securing a clear majority in the Pakistan Bar Council elections.
In a statement, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to lawyer leader Ahsan Bhawan and Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar on their election as members of the Pakistan Bar Council. He also congratulated them on the success of the Independent Group in securing a clear majority across Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the trust shown by the legal community in the Independent Group is clear evidence that lawyers are looking for serious, responsible and credible leadership to address their issues and to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.
The Prime Minister noted that Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar has always been striving to resolve the problems faced by the legal community. He added that he has consistently directed the Law Minister not only to remain in close contact with lawyers but also to play an active role in ensuring that their legitimate rights are provided on a priority basis.
Emphasizing the importance of the legal fraternity, the Prime Minister said that the government considers the legal community an important pillar of the state. He reaffirmed that all possible cooperation would continue to strengthen harmony between the bar and the bench in the larger interest of justice and the rule of law.
The Pakistan Bar Council is the apex regulatory body for lawyers in Pakistan, and its elections are considered a key indicator of trends and leadership within the country’s legal community.
