Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar highlighted the crucial need for enhanced cooperation between the bar and the bench, emphasizing that lack of coordination affects not only these entities but the entire judicial system. His remarks come at a time when relationships between legal practitioners and the judiciary have experienced strain.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, while speaking at the annual dinner of the Karachi Bar Association, stressed the importance of both the bar and the bench as key stakeholders in justice and democracy. He acknowledged that the judiciary might not have entirely met the expectations of the public and the legal community, and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to face challenges and improve relations.

Justice Baqar recalled his long association with the Karachi Bar Association, spanning four decades, and recognized the role of lawyers and the KBA in the restoration of democracy and the judiciary, particularly during the lawyers’ movement of 2007. He raised concerns about the independence of the judiciary, noting both external and internal threats, and the impact of these on public confidence.

The Chief Minister expressed concern about the composition of benches in the Supreme Court, which has led to polarization and affected public confidence. He advocated for the allocation of benches in consultation with senior judges, not only in the Supreme Court but also in High Courts, to improve decision-making quality and reduce polarization.

Additionally, Justice Baqar addressed the challenges faced by young lawyers, particularly in light of recent inflation. He discussed potential solutions, such as offering paid internships or traineeships in various legal departments, and announced the allocation of additional funds to the Karachi Bar Association to help ease some of their problems.

Concluding his address, Justice Baqar encouraged lawyers, especially the younger generation, to continually enhance their skills and knowledge, using the words of Robert Frost to inspire dedication and hard work towards achieving their professional goals.

This meeting and the Chief Minister’s remarks underscore the ongoing efforts to strengthen the judicial system in Sindh by fostering a more collaborative and supportive relationship between legal practitioners and the judiciary.