ISLAMABAD: An FIR was registered against 21 lawyers who were involved in attacking and ransacking the chamber of Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Monday.

The lawyers were protesting against the demolition of their chambers at judicial complex by Capital Development Authority (CDA). According to CDA, the demolition was a part of anti-encroachment operation.

However, the lawyers have challenged the CDA’s claims.

The Islamabad police have booked the lawyers in the FIR at the Ramna police station.

The FIR included Section 7 [punishment for acts of terrorism] of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the following sections of the Pakistan Penal Code:

• 506: Punishment for criminal intimidation
• 452: House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint
• 440: Mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt
• 427: Mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees
• 395: Punishment for dacoity
• 353: Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty
• 342: Punishment for wrongful confinement
• 341: Punishment for wrongful restraint
• 228: Intentional insult or interruption to public servant sitting in judicial proceeding
• 186: Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions
• 149: Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object
• 147: Punishment for rioting

The FIR stated that on February 8, the in-charge had received a complaint on the wireless device that lawyers from F-8 were marching towards the Islamabad High Court building.

“They then tried to break the court’s doors and forcefully entered inside.” the FIR reported. After which the lawyers stormed the chamber while abusing the judge and gave him life threats.

Earlier this month, Justice Minallah while hearing a case against the housing society of PTI’s Aleem Khan had ordered the CDA to end demolish all encroachments in the capital.

Now, after registering the case, the police have started a search operation in order to arrest the suspects.

According to media reports, Justice Minallah has issued a notification instructing all activities at the Islamabad High Court to be halted until further notice.