Former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association Ali Ahmad Kurd stirred up a storm on Twitter with his “fiery” speech at the Asma Jahangir conference 2021 on Saturday.

The senior lawyer directed a barrage of criticism towards the country’s judiciary and military establishment. He was speaking on the topic “role of judiciary in protecting human rights and strengthening democracy” at the conference.

Kurd said that he didn’t like the topic chosen by the organisers. “Which judiciary? Hundreds of thousands of people come to courts from 8am till 2:30pm and when they leave for their homes, they leave with wounded souls. You say such judiciary will protect human rights? It will strengthen democracy?” he lamented.

“One general is presiding over a country of 220 million people. This same general also sent the country’s judiciary down to number 126 in the world,” said Kurd referring to the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2021.

Pakistan ranks 126 in the category of fundamental rights.

As soon as video clips of the speech circulated on social media, #AliAhmedKurd started trending on Twitter. Pakistani Twitter was divided over Kurd’s speech; many praised him for his bravery and eloquence of speech but others are criticising him over selling a politicised agenda.

Some Twitterati lauded Kurd’s speech and mannerism.

Kurd has been dubbed as a “source of hope” for the oppressed.

This user has promised to name his children after Ali Ahmad Kurd.

While many Pakistani’s held Kurd’s speech in high regard, one Twitter questioned the authenticity of his claims and asked for “proof.”

One person urged the military to prosecute Kurd under law.

One user says that this kind of speech is much needed in Bar Council.

It’s “blatant sedition” claimed user Ali Sher Pasha on Twitter.

Speaking at the conference Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Gulzar Ahmed rejected all allegations by Kurd and said, “We do not take any dictation. I, for my part, do not work under any pressure, nor do the other judges.”