Lawyers across the country boycotted court proceedings on Tuesday to mourn the Quetta carnage that claimed more than 70 lives last year, of which 56 were lawyers.

Addressing a gathering commemorating the anniversary of the carnage of Quetta Civil Hospital last year, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar emphasised the need for all institutions to perform their duty and contribute to the country's struggle for peace.

"We cannot lose hope," he said. "We have to fight this war with courage."

The chief justice had arrived in Quetta along with judges of various high courts and apex court of the country and lawyers to mourn the tragic incident. The lawyer bodies had organised a condolence reference at the Balochistan High Court to pay rich tribute to the victims of the terror attack.

Political parties, civil society, journalists have also joined the legal fraternity in remembering the victims of the suicide bombing that also included civilians and journalists.

Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the Supreme Court Bar Association had given the strike call to mourn the killing of members of the legal fraternity in Quetta.

"Recommendations of Justice Qazi Faez Isa commission must be implemented", Kamal Kakar Advocate, the President Balochistan Bar Association demanded during his speech at the condolence reference.

"We will continue the struggle for supremacy of Constitution and rule of law of despite odds", said Rasheed A Rizvi, the President Supreme Court Bar Association.

The PBC president, Chaudhry Abdul Hafeez demanded that the government take steps to ensure the security of lawyers across the country.

A shutter down strike, called by the Awami National Party, was observed in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan to mark the first anniversary of the Quetta bombing.

The Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Hazara Democratic Party, JUI (F) and other political groups have backed the strike call.

In Chaman, Muslim Bagh and other parts of Balochistan, workers of various political parties staged protest demonstrations to condemn the incident.