Punjab Bar suspends license of Rajab Butt's lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq

The Punjab Bar Council on Thursday suspended the licence of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq for violating the lawyers’ code of conduct by appearing in court during an ongoing strike.

In a statement, the council said disciplinary proceedings were initiated after the advocate ignored the strike call and appeared before the court, an act described as a clear breach of professional rules.

The matter has been referred to the Bar Council’s disciplinary committee for further inquiry.

Officials warned that the suspension could lead to the permanent cancellation of the advocate’s licence if the allegations are upheld.

The council also noted that appearing in court accompanied by private security guards constituted professional misconduct and violated established norms governing courtroom behaviour.

In addition, the Bar Council said statements allegedly made by Advocate Ashfaq against the lawyers’ community had contributed to unrest within the legal fraternity, further aggravating the situation.

The action was taken under the Pakistan Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Rules, 1976, with the judgment citing violations of Rules 134 and 175-A, which relate to professional conduct and discipline.

The development comes amid wider concerns over security and discipline in court premises.

Earlier this week, on December 29, popular YouTuber Rajab Butt was injured after being attacked by a group of lawyers inside the Karachi City Court.

According to initial reports, Butt had appeared to seek interim bail when he was allegedly confronted and assaulted. Eyewitnesses said he sustained injuries to his jaw and mouth, causing visible bleeding, before police and court officials intervened.