Protesting lawyers storm new judicial complex in Multan, vandalise building
Enraged lawyers in Multan stormed the new judicial complex on Mattital Road, smashing windows and doors and mirrors with sticks, in protest over the shifting of the courts for a second consecutive day.
The lawyers are incensed that the new judicial complex, which began functioning on Nov 14, does not house their chambers.
The protests, which began on Tuesday, continued today as lawyers entered the sessions court after a scuffle with the police.
A large number of female lawyers also participated in the demonstrations today.
Television footage showed police trying to contain the protesting lawyers in front of the complex. At one point, however, the lawyers managed to break past the police and surround them and were seen aggressively clapping their hands above their heads.
The lawyers then broke into the complex building and began smashing windows and doors inside a sessions court with sticks.
The lawyers maintain that although four or five months had lapsed, their demands had not been fulfilled and the new judicial complex does not house their chambers.
They added that due to rain and cold weather in the city, they faced grave difficulties as they have had to operate in the grounds outside the buildings.
Speaking to DawnNews, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the lawyers' demands are justified and negotiations will be held with them in order to reach an agreement to end the protests.
He added that if the negotiations are not successful, a second round of talks will have to be held through a third party.
In November, as the sessions and civil courts started functioning in the new judicial complex, lawyers had gathered outside the Lahore High Court Multan Bench building and held protests. Rallies were taken out, slogans against the move were chanted, and court proceedings were boycotted.
The construction of the judicial complex began in 2005 on 1,000 acres of land after the Asian Development Bank granted a loan under the Access to Justice Programme.