THE EMERGENCE AND EVOLUTION OF THE LAWYERS' MOVEMENT IN PAKISTAN: RESISTANCE AND MOBILIZATION

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the lawyers’ movement in Pakistan, its historical background, key events, and its impact on the country's political landscape. The paper analyzes the role of lawyers, their strategies, and their engagement with other civil society groups and political parties in the movement. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, including a literature review and an analysis of primary sources such as newspapers, speeches, and research articles. The paper argues that the lawyers' movement was a turning point in Pakistan's history, as it challenged the authoritarian rule and paved the way for the democratic transition in the country. Overall, the study concludes that, the unique aspect of the lawyers' movement is not its effect on the composition and structure of the judiciary and executive branches of the state, but the creation of a collective identity among lawyers, judges, political workers, politicians, urban professionals, media personnel, students, business community, and most importantly, ordinary Pakistani 
citizens. Ultimately, this paper argues that the Pakistani lawyers' movement provides valuable insights into the dynamics of political movements and the complex interplay between legalinstitutions, political power, and popular mobilization.