ISLAMABAD: The Asma Jahangir Group, led by Ahsan Bhoon Advocate, has secured victory in the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) elections held on Thursday, following a spirited contest overshadowed by allegations of “plot politics.”
Throughout the campaign, the rival Professional Group, headed by senior lawyer Hamid Khan, repeatedly branded the Independent panel as the “Plot Group,” accusing it of using the promise of residential plots under the SCBA’s long-delayed housing project to woo voters.
Decades-Old Rivalry, a New Allegation
The Supreme Court Bar Association elections have long been a contest between two established panels — the Independent Group (popularly known as the Asma Jahangir Group) and the Professional Group.
While ideological differences between the two are well known, this year’s campaign took an unprecedented turn when the debate shifted from judicial independence to real estate promises.
Insiders told Infra News PK that the “Plot Group” label surfaced after candidates from the Asma Jahangir Group reportedly told members that, once in power, they would ensure progress on the Margalla Orchards Housing Scheme — a stalled project meant to provide plots to lawyers in a prime area of Islamabad.
Their message, aimed at restoring hope among frustrated allottees, became a defining element of their campaign — and, according to critics, blurred the line between bar politics and material incentives.
What is the Margalla Orchards Housing Scheme?
The Margalla Orchards Housing Scheme is a flagship project of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), launched in partnership with the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).
Located along Park Road, Islamabad, the scheme spans nearly 8,380 kanals and features 4,781 residential plots — including 2,693 plots reserved for SCBA members and 2,088 for FGEHA allottees.
The project was initially announced in 2019, but remained stagnant for years due to administrative hurdles and financial constraints, despite lawyers depositing an estimated Rs6 billion in contributions.
In September 2025, the long-awaited tripartite agreement was signed among SCBA, FGEHA, and DHA, under which DHA took over development responsibilities to ensure credible and timely execution. The move was widely celebrated within the bar and became a key talking point for the Asma Jahangir Group during the election campaign.
Politics, Perception, and the Promise of Plots
While the Independent Group maintains that its focus is purely on institutional reform and resolving long-pending issues, the Professional Group argues that bar politics should remain rooted in principles, not perks.
Hamid Khan and his supporters accused their opponents of using the housing scheme as an electoral tool and aligning with the incumbent government to gain leverage. The Asma Jahangir Group, however, dismissed these claims, saying their success reflected lawyers’ confidence in their ability to deliver — not a vote for land incentives.
A Broader Reflection
Analysts say this election revealed more than just the balance of power within the bar — it exposed a growing shift in the priorities of Pakistan’s legal community. For many voters, the resolution of practical concerns such as housing and welfare now carries as much weight as debates over ideology or independence.
Still, observers caution that the growing intersection of professional politics and financial interests could test the traditional values of the legal fraternity.
What Comes Next
With the Asma Jahangir Group returning to power, members are now watching closely to see whether the promises around Margalla Orchards translate into tangible progress.
Development under DHA supervision is expected to move forward in phases, with the new SCBA leadership pledging to ensure transparency and early possession for allottees.
For thousands of lawyers waiting for years, this victory may finally deliver more than just a political change — it could bring the long-promised land that defined this year’s most controversial bar election.
Project Snapshot: Margalla Orchards Housing Scheme
• Location: Park Road, Islamabad
• Total Area: 8,380 kanals
• Total Residential Plots: 4,781
• 2,693 for SCBA members
• 2,088 for FGEHA allottees
• Partners: SCBA, FGEHA, DHA
• Development Status: Tripartite agreement signed; DHA leading development
• Estimated Member Deposits: Rs6 billion
• Expected Outcome: Phase-wise infrastructure development and plot possession under DHA supervision
