Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) is gearing up for its annual elections for the 2026–27 term, scheduled to be held amid growing interest within the legal fraternity. The presidential contest is expected to be closely watched, with four candidates currently in the field.
Senior lawyer and former Secretary of the Islamabad Bar Association, Raja Yasir Shakeel Advocate Supreme Court, has emerged as the strongest contender for the presidency. Legal circles believe his position has significantly strengthened following key political developments within the bar.
Initially, six candidates had announced their participation in the presidential race, including Chaudhry Naeem Ali Gujar, Hafiz Malik Mazhar Javed, Raja Yasir Shakeel, Shabana Rafiq, Mian M. Arshad Javed, and Muhammad Ismail Baloch. However, Hafiz Malik Mazhar Javed and Muhammad Ismail Baloch later withdrew from the contest in favour of Raja Yasir Shakeel, formally announcing their complete support and endorsement.
According to sources, the presidential contest now appears to be mainly between the incumbent IBA President Chaudhry Naeem Ali Gujar and Raja Yasir Shakeel, who previously served as Bar Secretary in 2019. Despite this expected competition, a large number of lawyers are openly backing Raja Yasir Shakeel, considering him the most credible and influential candidate for the top slot.
Sources further reveal that Raja Yasir Shakeel enjoys the support of several major and prominent legal chambers in the federal capital, along with backing from senior bar leaders and young lawyers alike. This broad-based support has positioned him as the front-runner in the presidential race.
Meanwhile, the contest for the post of Secretary General has also gained momentum, with Raja Khawar Dhanial being viewed as a strong and well-placed candidate for the position.
The upcoming elections are taking place at a time when lawyers are facing serious challenges following the relocation of courts to the new judicial complex. Despite repeated concerns, no substantial progress has been made in resolving these issues. As a result, the legal community is looking towards the newly elected leadership with high expectations, hoping for effective representation and tangible solutions.
It is pertinent to note that Islamabad Bar Association elections hold significant importance within the legal fraternity, as the elected body not only represents lawyers’ concerns but also plays a crucial role in judicial reforms and the promotion of the rule of law. In this context, the demand for transparent and fair elections has become more vital than ever.
