The jamboree of more than 2,000 lawyers from across the country condemned the government´s October 27 decision to withdraw cases against 349 people. "This convention condemns the government decision to withdraw the cases against those involved in rape, drug smuggling, murder and dacoits in the name of political cases," the declaration said.
The convention held every three years also suggested the political parties and the Constituent Assembly to ensure that the new constitution guarantees competitive multiparty democracy, rule of law, supremacy of constitution and fundamental rights. Referring to the ordinances issued by the government recently, the Bar convention expressed objection against the “culture of ruling the country through ordinances”.
"The convention demands that the constitution should be formulated within the stipulated timeframe," said the declaration, adding that the NBA will strictly monitor the process of making of the new constitution.
The convention suggested that there should be four-tier judiciary with the Supreme Court at the center to settle inter-state disputes and resolve the issues related to interpretation of the constitution. The provincial courts should be given jurisdiction to entertain writ petitions, the declaration stated. The convention suggested that district court should be authorized to exercise initial jurisdiction and there should be another layer of court like court of arbitration at the lower level to settle disputes.
The convention suggested that future federation should be drawn up on the basis of population, geography, demography, culture and language, economy and natural resources. It suggested that the future administrative units should be drawn up in such a way that maximum number of people will benefit.
Besides suggesting the composition of the court system and future state structure, the convention called upon the government and the political parties to implement the Comprehensive Peace Accord. It also urged the Army Integration Special Committee to bring the ongoing peace process to conclusion by completing integration of the armies at the earliest.
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