Legal fraternity warns against authoritarian steps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Following recent statements from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister, Sohail Afridi, the country’s legal fraternity issued a stark warning against the imposition of governor’s rule or any “undemocratic” maneuver in the province.

The All Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee, led by Ali Ahmad Kurd, announced that if provincial authorities bypass constitutional provisions, lawyers will organize nationwide protests. The statement underscored that such actions would further erode the rule of law and deepen the political crisis.

Lawyers reiterated that PTI’s march, now entering its fifth day and reaching Peshawar, is rooted in constitutional legitimacy and seeks genuine democratic reforms. They praised PTI founder Imran Khan for persisting despite repeated pressure and urged citizens to maintain their resolve.

The warning reflects growing unease among legal professionals who see any authoritarian recourse as a direct threat to judicial independence and civil liberties.