PESHAWAR: Renowned legal expert and human rights advocate Shabbir Hussain Gigyani has announced the formation of a Human Rights Lawyers Forum at the national level, aimed at providing legal assistance to the oppressed and marginalized without any fee. Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, Gigyani said the forum will consist of lawyers, journalists, students, and social and political activists committed to defending human rights and ensuring access to justice. So far, 75 lawyers, 25 students, and several journalists have joined the initiative. “I have come to the legal profession to serve,” Gigyani said. “I take up cases for those who cannot afford legal representation or for whom no one else is willing to fight. Justice and access to law are fundamental human rights under the Constitution of Pakistan.” He emphasized that he currently handles the highest number of cases related to missing persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and has ongoing matters in both the High Court and military courts. “I filed a petition for the protection of lawyers in the province as early as 2013,” he added, challenging other bodies and bar councils to present what tangible efforts they have made for the safety and welfare of legal professionals. Responding to criticism over his legal representation of a Station House Officer (SHO) in a controversial case, Gigyani defended his position, stating: “Advocating for someone’s bail is a legal right, supported by the Constitution, the Quran, and Hadith. DLP Report
