In the early hours of a seemingly regular Friday, an act of abhorrent violence shook the peaceful city of Lahore, Pakistan. A hailstorm of bullets rained down on the residence of esteemed lawyer and estranged Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Sardar Latif Khosa. The act, committed by unidentified miscreants, left Khosa’s driver severely injured and his property scarred with evidence of the vicious attack.
The incident, reported in detail by Dawn, is a stark reminder of the persistent threat faced by those who challenge the status quo, daring to voice their concerns about governance and the rule of law. Khosa, a former Punjab governor and a respected figure in the legal fraternity, is known for his candid assertions on constitutional supremacy and the integrity of the judicial system. It is deeply troubling to witness such a blatant act of intimidation aimed at silencing an outspoken advocate for the rule of law and civilian supremacy.
I join voices across Pakistan and the globe in expressing my deep concern for Khosa’s injured driver. This innocent man, a victim of a seemingly politically motivated attack, serves as a reminder of the dangerous crossfire that innocent citizens often find themselves caught in. We send our heartfelt wishes for his speedy recovery and a return to safety.
This incident also underscores a distressing reality – the escalating violence and lawlessness threatening the pillars of our democracy. Unidentified assailants wielding Kalashnikovs, firing indiscriminately, and escaping with impunity – this is not the picture of a nation that prides itself on upholding the rule of law.
Echoing the sentiment expressed by Khosa himself, these acts of intimidation are disgraceful attempts to weaken the lawyer’s movement. But they are destined to fail. Lawyers, activists, and concerned citizens across the country are standing with Khosa and the Chief Justice of Pakistan. They’re upholding the principles of justice and democracy in the face of intimidation and threats.
We firmly stand with Khosa’s belief that power is being grossly abused and that such times are unprecedented in our nation’s history. Khosa’s fears about the constitutional crisis in Pakistan reflect a growing concern among legal practitioners and human rights advocates about the increasing threat to rule of law and civil liberties in our country.
We support the Supreme Court Bar Association’s call for a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the culprits. We also join in their condemnation of the blatant disregard for the safety and security of senior legal professionals who stand as the last bastion safeguarding our fundamental rights and upholding the principles of democracy.
As we look forward to the resolution of this dreadful incident, let us remember the words of Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, who said, “They think that the lawyers will be intimidated by these incidents intended to make us afraid. We strongly condemn this incident.” We, too, stand unafraid and unshaken in our pursuit of justice and a safer, more democratic Pakistan.
Together, we reaffirm our commitment to freedom of speech, the rule of law, and a resilient democratic society. The bullets might have scarred a home and injured an innocent driver, but they failed to silence a voice or break a spirit. The struggle for justice, the quest for truth, and the spirit of democracy will continue to endure – fearlessly.
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