Role of Lawyers in the Defense of Justice and Legal Reforms in Pakistan (2025)
Pakistan's judiciary is undergoing drastic changes. Ranging from new rules of courts to demonstrations and reforms, lawyers are acting as the pivot in protecting justice, human rights, and equality. Here's what's been occurring in 2025.
1. Supreme Court Brings In New Rules
The Supreme Court of Pakistan introduced the Supreme Court Rules, 2025, supplanting the outdated 1980 version.
These new regulations are meant to update the court system with computer technology and quicker case processing.
2. Protest of Pakistan Bar Council
The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) strongly protested the new fee increase.
Lawyers had claimed that justice was not something that could be sold and all citizens must have equal access to courts.
PBC threatened that unless the decision was altered, lawyers all over Pakistan could boycott court hearings.
3. Sindh Lawyers and Environmental Justice
In Sindh, lawyers protested against the canal construction project of the government, as they feared it would destroy the environment and lower water levels for surrounding communities.
They took to the streets in processions, boycotted courts, and blocked highways.
4. Political and Judicial Fairness
Some PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) lawyers had multiple legal cases pending against them.
The Peshawar High Court granted them protective bail, halting their arrest until a hearing in full
5. Call for Judicial Transparency
Lawyer Akmal Khan requested the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to publish all complaints and rulings against judges since 2017.
He stated citizens deserve to hear about judges' performance and integrity.
6. Independent Judges' Support
Five Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges protested over external pressure on their verdicts.
Lawyers across Pakistan backed them, calling for judicial independence — that courts ought to operate independently without interference by political or military forces.
7. Lawyer's Contempt Case Withdrawn
Senior lawyer Muhammad Fazil Siddiqui was arrested for contempt of court but his sentence was subsequently withdrawn after bar associations lodged protests.
The incident reminded lawyers to be respectful in court but also united when one of them is wronged.
Conclusion
2025 has been a year of challenges and transformation for Pakistan's legal fraternity. Lawyers have demonstrated that they are not only defenders of their clients — they are defenders of justice, fairness, and transparency in society. Their protests, petitions, and solidarity demonstrate that a robust legal system rests on courageous lawyers who will not hesitate to stand up for what's right, even against mighty powers. These persistent efforts are charting Pakistan's path to a more equitable, more transparent, and independent judiciary.
