Abbottabad: Tensions between lawyers and the district administration in Abbottabad escalated on Wednesday over the installation of a water filtration plant at the district courts, with the two sides clashing outside the New Tehsil Building.
The dispute turned violent when lawyers and district administration employees allegedly exchanged heavy stone-pelting near the main gate of the building. Several lawyers and government employees were injured in the incident.
The lawyers said the filtration plant was being installed on the orders of the Peshawar High Court to provide clean drinking water to the public. According to the District Bar President, construction of the plant was being carried out under the supervision of the Sessions Judge.
The Bar Council strongly opposed the removal of the filtration plant, saying that thousands of people visit the district courts every day and access to clean drinking water is an important public need. The lawyers termed any attempt to remove or obstruct the facility unacceptable.
The lawyers also expressed concern over the alleged mistreatment of a judicial official by the Assistant Commissioner. District Bar Secretary Asad Khan Jadoon alleged that the Assistant Commissioner had violated court orders and subjected court staff to violence. The District Bar President further accused the officer of taking the law into his own hands.
The Bar Council demanded the immediate transfer of the Assistant Commissioner and called on the provincial government to take action over the issue.
Following the clash, lawyers blocked Fawara Chowk, disrupting traffic on the Karakoram Highway, and announced a complete boycott of courts.
Meanwhile, government employees closed their offices and staged a protest in support of the Assistant Commissioner. They also took out a rally to express solidarity with the officer.
The High Court Bar Association assured the District Bar Association of its full support, further intensifying the dispute between the legal community and the district administration.
