LAHORE – Barrister Ahmad Jamal Sukhera formally took charge as the new advocate general of Punjab on Wednesday.
The office of the principal law officer fell vacant after Ahmad Awais resigned following contempt proceedings initiated against him by the Lahore High Court.
Awais was served with a contempt notice for creating a ruckus in the courtroom and trying to ‘pressurise the bench’ at the time of announcement of a verdict pertaining to the Model Town incident.
Mr Awais preferred resignation over and accused the bench of committing misconduct though the bench discharged the contempt proceedings against him.
Mr Sukhera is a brother of federal Commerce and Industries Secretary Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera.
Ahmed Awais’ bitter Exchange with LHC Bench
Ahmed Awais and the Lahore High Court bench exchanged bitter remarks during the case hearing on March 22, wherein the court had suspended the notification regarding the formation of a new JIT on model Town incident.
Awais, who had not been present in the courtroom at the time the judgment was reserved, expressed annoyance that he had not been notified prior to the hearing and the Punjab government’s stance was not heard before the verdict was announced.
“In the history of the high court, this is the first time a decision was announced without hearing the government first,” he said and announced that he was boycotting the decision.
“I do not have confidence in this bench,” said the noted lawyer who was present at the time of the announcement of the verdict.
The judges objected to being addressed in a raised voice by the lawyer.
“You cannot pressurize us by raising your voice,” declared Justice Malik.
Upon this, the advocate general responded: I am speaking in a loud voice so the bench may hear me.
“We held the hearing on time and the law officer was present in the courtroom,” Justice Qasim remarked and advised Awais to challenge the verdict if he has objections.
