ISLAMABAD: The representatives of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) have sought Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the election of office bearers.

The cabinet of the IHCBA held a meeting with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Friday to discuss various issues concerning the legal community.

The meeting was led by IHCBA President Syed Wajid Ali Shah Gilani and Secretary Manzoor Ahmed Jajja, who presented a detailed agenda focused on legal infrastructure, facilities and professional development.

According to an official statement, the discussion included the release of funds for the purchase of EVMs for the upcoming IHCBA elections. Another significant demand was the initiation of a shuttle service for lawyers travelling between the Judicial Complex in G-11, the Islamabad High Court and family courts in G-10.

The meeting also addressed the allocation of Rs4,550 million for the development of the lawyers` building and other facilities, a fund that was allocated butwas held up due to the impact of COVID-19.

Additionally, the officials urged the government to establish a library, digital lab and online legal information facility within the Islamabad High Court Bar premises.

To further improve the working environment, the bar association requested the establishment of consultation rooms, passport and NADRA centres and post offices within the High Court Bar premises.

Apart from infrastructure, lawyers` training and professional development were also key points on the agenda.

The officials proposed mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) courses, along with specialised legal training programmes at the judicial academy to enhance the skills of lawyers.

On the employment front, the bar association urged the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan to mandate companies to appoint legal advisors and include lawyers` salaries in their tax returns.

Another critical issue discussed was the filling of vacant judicial positions in the Islamabad High Court, Federal Sharia Court, Federal Service Tribunal, special courts and tribunals.