Police detained five people on Saturday following violent clashes at the All Sindh Lawyers’ Convention in Sukkur, which were sparked by protests against the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The convention, held at the Sukkur District Bar, saw a divide among the lawyers. One group began chanting slogans against former President Asif Ali Zardari, while another group showed support for him. Tensions quickly escalated when a verbal altercation turned physical between the two factions. The situation worsened when a group of individuals, later identified as plainclothes outsiders, became involved in the scuffle.
Some of the protesting lawyers reportedly detained five outsiders who had entered the convention in civilian clothes. The lawyers then began to beat them up before handing the individuals over to the police. Advocate KB Laghari, a witness, stated that “lawyers are brothers, and no one can make us fight.” He added that Sukkur District Bar Association President Qurban Ali Malano had to be rushed to the hospital after feeling unwell during the unrest.
Alleged Involvement of PPP Workers
The clash was reportedly caused by members of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), with Mairaj Gopang, a PPP worker and office-bearer of the Peoples Students Federation (PSF), being identified as a central figure in the incident. According to lawyers present at the convention, the altercation started when Karachi Bar General Secretary Rehman Korai mentioned the name of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar during his speech.
سکھر وکلاء حملہ / وزیر داخلہ سندھ کی مزمت اور سخت نوٹس
وزیر قانون و داخلہ سندھ ضیاءالحسن لنجار کا سکھر وکلاء کنونشن میں وکلاء پر حملے کا نوٹس اور مذمت
وکلاء پر حملے میں ملوث افراد کے خلاف قانون کے مطابق کارروائی ہوگی، ضیاءالحسن لنجار
سینئر وکیل رہنما قربان ملانو اور دیگر پر…
— Home & Law Department, Govt of Sindh (@HomeSindh) November 15, 2025
Upon hearing Lanjar’s name, alleged PPP workers reportedly attacked several lawyers, including Aamir Nawaz Waraich, Malano, Laghari, Haseeb Jamali, and Shafqat Raheem, during the speech. Despite efforts by other lawyers to protect their colleagues, the senior lawyers suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The attackers, after being apprehended by the police, began chanting “Long Live Bhutto” as they were brought to the C-Section Police Station.
Condemnation and Government Response
Syed Zain Shah, president of the Sindh United Party and convener of the Save Sindh River Movement, condemned the attack, calling it an assault not only on the legal community but also on the Constitution, democratic values, and freedom of expression.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar responded strongly to the incident, expressing deep regret and condemning the attack on the lawyers. In a statement, Lanjar promised strict legal action against those responsible for the assault and emphasized that such behavior was unacceptable.
Lanjar also urged the legal community to avoid internal disputes and maintain unity and discipline. He assured that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of lawyers. A full investigation into the incident has been ordered, and responsibility will be determined once the inquiry is complete.
The home minister reiterated that restoring peace and security was a top priority for the government, and efforts would continue to maintain a peaceful environment for all.