KARACHI - Local lawyers observed complete boycott of the courts here on Thursday on the call of Pakistan Bar Council (PBC). The strike was observed in City Court and district court Malir where the lawyers boycotted court proceedings being conducted in the presence of the PCO judges. The lawyers' fraternity observed complete boycott in both of the courts and staged a protest rally for the restoration of deposed judges and soaring prices of basic commodities. They were carrying placards, banners and chanted slogans against the government. The lawyers closed the entrances to the City Court creating serious hardships for the litigants who had to return back to home without appearing in the courts. The lawyers also set up a camp in front of the office of Karachi Bar Association where two lawyers Shafiq Jonejo Advocate and Haji Sarwar Advocate observed a token hunger strike. The lawyers were chanting slogans against President Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari and demanded the immediate restoration of the higher judiciary to pre-November 3 2007 status. They vowed to continue their struggle till achieving the targets.        Meanwhile, a general body meeting of Karachi Bar Association was held at Shuhda-i-Punjab Hall of the City Courts under the chair of Karachi Bar Association President Mehmoodul Hassan.  Member of Pakistan Bar Council Yasin Azad, Yasin Azad, President of KBA Mehmoodul Hassan, Secretary General Naeem Qureshi and Sufi Muzaffar spoke on the occasion. Yasin Azad condemned the statements of President SCBA Aitzaz Ehsan and said that before giving such remarks, he should have consulted the lawyers' representatives and taken them into confidence. Azad urged the lawyers to follow the directions of Pakistan Bar Council instead of Supreme Court Bar Council. He demanded the immediate reinstatement of the deposed judges through an executive order. He adding that the lawyers, fraternity could not compromise on the movement launched for free judiciary. Azad further demanded strict action against President Musharraf under article 6 of the Constitution. He said that for the first time in the history of the country six judges had refused to take oath under PCO in 2002, while this number increased in 2007 when 60 judges follow the suit.  He said that on February 18, the people gave mandate to democratic forces for restoration of free judiciary     On the occasion, President KBA Mehmoodul Hassan said the history would not forgive the leaders, who deceived the lawyers.    Naeem Qureshi said the lawyers' movement would continue till the restoration of real democracy and deposed judges.   Other lawyers' representatives also addressed the gathering and alleged the President had attacked all pillars of democracy including parliament, judiciary and media to prolong his rule. They insisted that the time has come for the political parties to join the movement for the restoration of free judiciary. Later, a rally was also taken out on MA Jinnah Road where protesters blocked the road for several hours.