LAHORE: The Professional Group led by Hamid Khan on Saturday won the presidential slot in the Lahore High Court Bar Association’s polls by defeating late Asma Jahangir’s independent group in a one-on-one contest.
The Professional group, backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers, candidate Asad Manzoor Butt obtained 6,195 votes, while Saqib Akram Gondal managed 5,768 votes.
Apart from the PTI support, Butt was supported by the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), and Jamat-e-Islami lawyers, while Gondal was backed by the legal wings of PML-N, PML-Qand PPP.
For the vice-presidential position, Mian Sardar Ali won with 3,344 votes. Qadir Bakhash Chahal claimed victory for the secretary’s role with 7,119 votes, defeating Qasim Samra and Asif Chohan.
In the race for the vice-president’s office, Mian Sardar Ali Gelan emerged victorious with 3,344 votes, defeating Haseeb Bin Yusuf, Malik Fida Hussain, Mazhar Abbas Sial, and Mian Wahid Nazir.
The financial positions saw Falak Naz Gil won the election by securing 5,503 votes, defeating Ham Bin Shoaib Kamboh and Farakh Shah.
The election day showcased fierce competition between the traditional rival groups — Independent and Professional. Lawyers passionately advocated for their preferred candidates, including female lawyers.
The Lahore High Court Bar elections involved 41,673 lawyers, with 29,216 registered voters, including 2,101 women and 27,115 men. Mian Irfan Akram chaired the Election Board, with Haseebullah Khan and Khudadad Chattha as deputy chairmen. Strict security measures were implemented, with walk-through gates and ID card checks at all entrances.
