Sohail Afridi said that the legal community would be fully supported in efforts to restore an independent judiciary, adding that a final call would soon be given for the future of the nation. He made these remarks while addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet of the Central Bar Association in Muzaffarabad.

He said that lawyers had led historic movements in the past, and the nation still expects the same role from them today.

He further stated that a nationwide lawyers’ jirga had been convened and a “pen-down strike” had been called for May 6, expressing hope that the legal fraternity would play a strong role in it.

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The chief minister said that after the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, the courts had become dysfunctional, and cases of Imran Khan had not been scheduled for hearing for the past one and a half years.

He claimed that “they are afraid of Imran Khan — even his voice causes panic, and if he were to come out himself, they would lose their sleep.”

He added that despite being the chief executive of a province, he had repeatedly failed to secure a meeting with his leader.

According to him, even those judges whose conscience is still alive are looking towards the lawyers.

Sohail Afridi said that the public is fed up with what he called an “imposed and incompetent group” and wants freedom from the current system. He added that nearly 100 million people are living below the poverty line, while the economy and trade deficit are worsening and under severe pressure.

He said that unless people strive to change their own condition, even God does not change it, urging citizens to step out and fight for their rights.

The chief minister concluded that what is being done to the Constitution and law is against the national interest, and assured that the government stands with the legal community for the restoration of an independent judiciary.