On August 23, 2007, the National Association of Muslim Lawyers (“NAML”), the Bay Area Association of Muslim Lawyers (“BAAML”) and the South Asian Bar Association of Northern California (“SABA-Nor. Cal.”) co-sponsored a discussion by prominent Pakistani pro-democracy activist and champion of judicial independence, Muneer Malik, President of Pakistan’s Supreme Court Bar Association.

Mr. Malik represented the deposed Chief Justice of the Pakistan Supreme Court after General Pervez Musharraf's attempt to subjugate the country's judiciary to the will of the military establishment, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly all of its entire history. Mr. Malik spoke of Pakistan’s history of nearly constant direct military rule. Even during civilian rule the military continued to keep certain checks in place and the civilian leadership (including the judiciary) worked hand-in-glove with the military. According to Malik, this continues to be Pakistan’s social milieu, but perhaps some change is coming.

In the wake of General Musharraf’s actions, Mr. Malik led several large and courageous street protests by lawyers, journalists, pro-democracy activists and everyday citizens denouncing the military ruler’s hobbling of the rule of law in Pakistan. Despite repeated and violent threats against him and his family, Mr. Malik stood steadfast against dictatorship, and his successful advocacy before the Supreme Court led to the eventual reinstatement of the Chief Justice on July 20th, 2007.

The court will soon hear argument on whether Musharraf qualifies to be a candidate while serving in the military. The day of Malik's remarks it was reported that the High Court has ruled that Nawaz Sharif cannot be prevented from returning to Pakistan.