2012 PLP 1221 (CLC)

MUZAFFAR ALI, J.

The prevailing law and order situation in Gilgit city has compelled the administrative authorities to be vigilant to protect lives of innocent citizens and in this connection the administration has established check posts/points at important places round the city and forces have been deployed therein to watch the illegal activities of miscreants. The forces have been given powers to search bodies and vehicles. Indeed the above security measures have created irritations and disturbances among the citizens who are have to attend their duties in various offices situated in Gilgit city. The security measures are inevitable and cannot be asked to stop, however the forces deployed in the check posts can be directed to adopt gentle behavior, so that law abiding citizens can feel respected. The task is difficult to differentiate between a miscreant and law abiding citizen but the same is a test of disciplined forces to bring into practice. The instant writ petition is an example of the above general irritation and disturbance caused by the situation to the law abiding citizens of the city. The lawyer's community obviously is considered to be cream of the society and are supposed to promote and reflect respect for law and feelings in the society as their profession demands from them. The lawyers are further called officers of the court but they felt aggrieved by the behavior extended to them by the forces deployed, hence their representative body (Gilgit-Baltistan High Court Bar Association) filed this writ petition before this court to issue directives to the respondents. We after hearing the counsel for the petitioners and A.A.-G. for the respondents come to the conclusion that the forces cannot be directed to ignore their duties but the commanding authorities of the forces can be directed to convey and direct the deployed forces to maintain good behavior without leaving no stone unturned to watch illegal activities of miscreants. The lawyer's community be dealt with a respectful manner when they show their identity as honorable members of the bar, but without compromising the basic security measures. The honourable members of the bar are also directed to keep their dignity and honour as law knowing community by extending their cooperation with the law enforcing agencies. The petition is disposed of accordingly. The judicial branch of this office is directed to send attested copies of this order to the respondents to comply. M.W.A./3/GB Order accordingly.