New York, Nov 14: Lawyers of New York staged a protest here, expressing solidarity with lawyers and judges in Pakistan.

Gathering on the steps of a courthouse here, lawyers called for the protection and sanctity of lawyers in Pakistan.

“It is shocking that so many lawyers and judges in Pakistan have been detained and imprisoned, ” The News quoted New York City Bar Association president Barry Kamins, as saying.

Several judges have been placed under house arrest in Islamabad and other parts of Pakistan because they refused to take oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO), Kamins said.

The Manhattan rally was co-sponsored by six bar associations and Amnesty International.

The protesters demanded immediate restoration of the Constitution and withdrawal of state of emergency in Pakistan.

They also vowed support to the lawyers and political parties movement for restoration of democracy in Pakistan. (ANI)