Attack on Grieving Lawyers and Mourners in Pakistan, Following the Murder of a Former President of the Baluchistan Bar Association

The Union Internationale des Avocats (International Association of Lawyers - UIA) issued a statement deploring the targeted bombing attack on August 8, 2016 at a hospital in Quetta, in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan, which killed at least 70 people and wounded at least 112 others. The attack, for which a Taliban faction has claimed responsibility, targeted a grieving crowd that had gathered to mourn the loss of Bilal Anwar Kasi, the former President of the Baluchistan Bar Association, who had been shot and killed earlier in the day.

The UIA is deeply shocked by this atrocious attack and extends its sincere condolences to all the victims and their families. The UIA wishes to express its solidarity with the entire Pakistani legal community and, in particular, the Baluchistan Bar Association.

All necessary and appropriate steps should be taken to bring those responsible to justice, in accordance with international legal standards, ensuring the full respect of the Rule of Law.

The UIA also urges the Pakistani authorities to ensure that the investigation into Mr. Anwar Kasi’s murder is conducted independently and impartially.

As the legal community appears to have been targeted, the UIA is deeply concerned about this serious threat to the practice of law. The UIA reminds the Pakistani authorities of their responsibility to ensure the safety of lawyers and legal professionals, who are essential for protecting Human Rights and upholding the Rule of Law in a democratic society.

Adapted from a UIA press release.

(mew)