MULTAN -  The lawyers Thursday called off their strike and ended sit-in following Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar orders regarding relocation of lower court to Old Kutchehry from New Judicial Complex.

The CJP ordered that the lower courts should again be shifted to courts complex at Kutchehry Chowk and resume working in 10 days there, putting an end to the long-standing tussle between the lawyers and authorities.

The chief justice held an open court in Multan and ruled that the courts should be reopened in the next 10 days.

The CJP was hearing the suo motu notice on the shifting of lower courts to the newly-built judicial complex.

Last month, the Session and District courts in the city were shifted to new judicial complex. The CJP directed that the new judicial complex should be opened in three months after ensuring provision of all necessary facilities.

CJP Saqib Nisar also expressed anger at LHC Registrar Syed Khurshid Anwar Rizvi for the decision to shift judicial complex without ensuring adequate facilities.

"You have built a judicial complex in the fields," remarked the CJP, adding "there are no proper barrooms for the lawyers. Where will the lawyers make their clients sit? The CJP questioned.

The CJP observed that the registrar and sessions judge prepared a false report. "Have you seen the 11KV transmission lines? Have you covered your eyes with shades?"

He remarked that there is also no security at the new judicial complex, adding that there are no facilities to protect lawyers from harsh weather conditions.

The CJP directed the concerned authorities to ensure availability of all facilities at the New Judicial Complex within three months.

The lawyers had gone on strike after the shifting of all lower courts to the New Judicial Complex on the order of the Chief Justice Lahore High Court on November 13. They staged sit-in at Chowk Kutchehry and brought out rallies against the decision.

The things turned violent when the lawyers smashed windowpanes, broke doors and ruined furniture at the New Judicial Complex during a rally about nine days ago. The complex presented the view of a battlefield after the rally.  At least 39 lawyers were booked in a case registered against the protesting black coats and 21 were arrested.

Meanwhile, the lawyers danced to drumbeat and chanted slogans in favour of CJP. They celebrated the decision and termed it the victory of the truth and justice. Traffic was restored at Chowk Kutchehry after the lawyers called off their week-long sit-in. Police removed barricades from the roads leading to Chowk Kutchehry.

Staff Reporter/Agencies