Islamabad, Nov 23 (NationPress) Protests against the 27th Constitutional Amendment have persisted in Pakistan, as a group of lawyers made their way into the grounds of the Sindh High Court (SHC) in Karachi, as reported by local media on Sunday.

This act was in direct opposition to the directives issued by the registrar of the SHC, which forbade the use of the court's grounds for protests and rallies.

The assembled lawyers conducted their demonstration in an open area on the SHC grounds. During the event, the leadership of the protesting lawyers criticized the enforcement of the amendment and vowed to maintain their protests in support of judicial independence and the rule of law, as detailed by Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn.

They also condemned the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and asserted that the amendment has diminished the power of the Supreme Court, thereby weakening the constitutional framework and the judiciary.

The lawyers displayed placards and banners outlining their demands and chanted slogans against the government and the amendments. Additional lawyers joined the rally participants outside the SHC.

There were confrontations between the protesting lawyers and police officers stationed outside the main gate of the SHC, leading to the lawyers entering the court premises. After the altercation, police permitted the lawyers to continue their demonstration.

In a related matter, the Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan vehemently condemned the “unlawful arrest and five-hour detention” of its member, Farwa Askar, along with Pakistani journalist Alifia Sohail.

The rights organization claimed that the arrests occurred on Friday outside the Karachi Press Club during a peaceful gathering protesting the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

They labeled the incident as a severe infringement on freedom of expression and human rights.

These demonstrations followed the signing of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on November 13, after it received approval from both legislative houses. With the President's signature, the bill is now an official part of Pakistan's Constitution.

“Alifia Sohail is a distinguished journalist known for her courageous reporting on social issues, while Farwa Askar is a human rights advocate dedicated to safeguarding fundamental rights in Pakistan. Their arrest and unlawful detention not only contravene the Constitution of Pakistan but also represent a despicable effort to stifle journalism and the human rights movement,” the HRC Pakistan articulated.

The rights organization called for an immediate inquiry into the actions of the officers involved in the arrests and insisted on appropriate punishment.

They also appealed to authorities to uphold the rights of citizens peacefully protesting against the 27th Constitutional Amendment and ensure the safety of journalists and human rights activists, allowing them to perform their roles without fear.

“Such actions undermine the democratic values of the country and breach international human rights standards,” emphasized the HRC Pakistan.