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THE BAR ASSOCIATION of the District of Columbia

RESOLUTION OF
THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
CONDEMNING
THE SUSPENSION OF THE CONSTITUTION,
THE CLOSING OF THE JUDICIARY,
AND
THE IMPRISONMENT OF LAWYERS
IN PAKISTAN

NOVEMBER 6, 2007

WHEREAS, the Bar Association of the District of Columbia was established in 1871 in the Nation’s Capitol and is one of the oldest bar associations in the United States of America;

WHEREAS, the Bar Association of the District of Columbia serves its members, promotes justice and the preservation of law, and addresses challenges facing the legal profession;

WHEREAS, the principle that a judiciary be independent is essential to the fair and impartial administration of justice and the operation of a free and open government;

WHEREAS, the struggle for a constitutional government is also a struggle for honest and fair laws which are applied equally by independent and impartial courts;

WHEREAS, there is no liberty if the power of judging is not separated from the legislative and executive powers; and

WHEREAS, there is no justice if lawyers are unable to represent their clients without fear of imprisonment or reprisal.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HEREBY:

1. Denounces the suspension of the Pakistan Constitution by the current Pakistani government;
   
2. Denounces the closing of the Pakistani courts and judiciary system by the current Pakistani government;
   
3. Denounces the brutality that is being directed to members of the bar of Pakistan;
   
4. Denounces the imprisonment of a reported 3,000 lawyers in Pakistan; and
   
5. Recognizes and commends the courage and conviction of the members of the Pakistani bar, the judiciary, and the public who are working to correct this grave injustice.