Forty lawyers from Pakistan were in Chandigarh on Sunday to participate in a seminar indicating that people- to-people contact was still being maintained despite the row on the denial of Pakistan visa to actor Anupam Kher recently and the Pathankot terror attack last month.
In the seminar, it was suggested that the lawyer fraternity and judiciary could play an important role in solving the Indo-Pak disputes amicably. The seminar titled, “Role of The Jurists in strengthening the democracy in Asia Pacific Region” was organised by Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh, at law Bhavan.
Rajat Gautam, Chairman Bar Council welcomed the delegation of 40 eminent lawyers from Pakistan, lead by Farah Faiz Begh, first woman Vice-Chairperson of Punjab Bar Council, to the seminar and felt the need of frequent such exchange programmes for better Indo-Pak ties.
Ejaz, presented a poem based on revival of peace and harmony among India and Pakistan. She also appealed the lawyer fraternity to join hand for peace and harmony and make it a mass movement giving a burial for the “artificial border” created by politicians for their vested interests.
She also asked the gathering to inculcate human values and brotherhood in new generation for a better and bright future without bloodshed.
Senior advocate RS Cheema while addressing a gathering said that the IPC`s and Cr PC’s of both the countries are same and same were the problems like honour killing, dowry and others.
He stressed on the need for strengthening democracy in Pakistan, apart from clear misunderstanding between people of both the countries; force the counties to reduce expenses on weapons and army instead of setting up peace and harmony.
Mumtaz Mustafa, a former Chairman of Pakistan Bar Council, who shared his experienced in Urdu couplets, was of the opinion that it lawyers of both the counties go hand in gloves, the governments of their counties will be forced to come close and settle the disputes peacefully.
Senior Advocate Anupam Gupta, in his median comparative speech over democracy in India and Pakistan, highlighted the recruitment in judiciary and in highlighted the sacrifice of Pakistan lawyer fraternity.
He also opined that Indian lawyers must be allowed to fight cases in Pakistan courts and vice versa. Former Advocate General of Punjab, raised free visa for atleast 10 years to lawyers of both the countries.
Justice SS Saron, who was the chief guest, claimed that Chandigarh is a replica of lahore and there are many educational institutions in India that still show their association with lahore. Even the IPC, Cr PC, revenue related terminology continue to be in Urdu. He asked the organizers to provide them the best possible hospitality to the Pak delegation.
An impressive cultural item was also presented on the occasion.