Iftikhar Chaudhry may address SC Bar Association on May 24

Pakistans suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is likely to address the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in Karachi on May 24.

Islamabad, May 14 : Pakistan's suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is likely to address the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in Karachi on May 24.

Announcing a countrywide protest against Saturday's Karachi violence, lawyers told a press conference here that Justice Chaudhry would visit Karachi if the SCBA invites him again to address them.

Holding the Sindh Government and the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) responsible for the violence, they said the incident reflected the fact that no one could enter Karachi without the approval of MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

Urging the Supreme Court to order an inquiry into the incident, the lawyers said they would challenge the order banning their entry to the province.

Among those present at yesterday's press conference were Justice (retired) Tariq Mehmood, Aitzaz Ahsan Ali Ahmed Kurd and Munir A Malik, the Daily Times reports.

The violence that began late on Friday night has already left over 40 people dead and more than 150 injured.

On Sunday, fresh violence between supporters of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and suspended Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry surfaced in Karachi, leaving three more persons killed and several others injured.

Several shops were gutted in the fire and over 75 vehicles were torched.

ANI