LAHORE (MNN); The Punjab Bar Council on Thursday suspended the practising licence of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq for appearing before a Karachi court on behalf of TikToker Rajab Butt during a lawyers’ strike called by the local bar.
The strike had been announced in protest against the alleged victimisation of Naseer Muhammad Kalhoro, former librarian of the Karachi Bar Association. During the strike, judicial proceedings were strictly barred within the city courts.
According to an order issued by Executive Committee Chairman Zabiullah Nagra, the action was taken following a complaint received from the president and general secretary of the Karachi Bar Association.
The letter highlighted a video circulating on social media showing Advocate Ashfaq appearing before the Karachi City Courts to represent Rajab Butt despite the ongoing strike.
The order stated that the lawyer allegedly entered the court premises along with private guards or other individuals, in clear violation of strike guidelines and established professional norms.
It further said that while defending his client, Advocate Ashfaq made remarks against the legal fraternity, which the Punjab Bar Council termed serious professional misconduct.
The council noted that these statements created rifts within the legal community, resulting in confrontation and discord among lawyers, and damaged the unity and reputation of the profession.
The order added that Advocate Ashfaq’s conduct created an environment of tension and disharmony, causing serious harm to the collective integrity of the legal fraternity.
Reviewing his professional background, the council noted that Ashfaq was enrolled as an advocate with the Punjab Bar Council in 2010 and with the High Court in 2012. As a practising lawyer, he was expected to uphold the dignity and standards of the legal profession at all times.
The executive committee unanimously decided to suspend his licence with immediate effect and referred the matter to the disciplinary committee for further proceedings, including possible permanent cancellation of the licence.
Speaking to Dawn, Chairman Zabiullah Nagra said the council was not legally bound to issue a prior notice before suspending a licence in cases of professional misconduct. He added that all advocates are expected to be fully aware of and comply with the code of conduct under Bar Council rules.
Nagra further said that the lawyer had been found involved in activities unbecoming of a member of the legal profession for some time.
Earlier this week, YouTuber Rajab Butt was assaulted inside a Karachi sessions court during the hearing of a case against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The hearing, in which Ashfaq appeared as his counsel, witnessed chaos and violence.
Advocate Ashfaq has also been representing former ISI chief Faiz Hameed in a trial concluded against him before a military court.
