19 November 2007
From the President of the New Zealand Bar Association, Dr James Farmer QC
New Zealand Bar Association condemns actions of Pakistani regime
The New Zealand Bar Association joins the International Bar Association, the New Zealand Law Society and other Law
Societies and Bar Associations worldwide in condemning the apparent collapse of the rule of law in Pakistan.
The Association's President, Mr Jim Farmer QC, today said that steps taken by Pakistan's President, Mr Musharraf,
involving the suspension of the country's Constitution, and the imposition of emergency rule, amounted to a direct
attack on the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the rule of law in democratic societies.
"The New Zealand Bar Association is gravely concerned by reports that legitimate protest action, including such action
by Pakistan's Judges and Lawyers, has been met with the use of violence by Pakistani authorities involving the use of
tear gas and batons" Mr Farmer said. "An independent judiciary and legal profession is fundamental to the maintenance of
democracy, and mere political expediency can never justify the actions of the Pakistani regime as reported in the
International media."
Like the International Bar Association, the New Zealand Bar Association is concerned that unless Pakistan's Constitution
is restored, there will be further deterioration of the situation leading to a more entrenched abrogation of democratic
principles and abuses of human rights.
ENDS