Rajab Butt’s lawyer challenges Punjab Bar Council’s decision to suspend licence

The Lahore High Court on Thursday took up a petition filed by Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, counsel for YouTuber Rajab Butt, challenging the Punjab Bar Council’s decision to suspend his practising licence. The case was heard by Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid.

During the proceedings, Advocate Ashfaq requested time until January 5 to formally include the Karachi Bar as a party to the petition.

Representing the federal government, Deputy Attorney General Asad Ali Bajwa argued that the petition was not maintainable in its current form because the Karachi Bar Association had not been made a respondent.

In response, Advocate Ashfaq suggested adding the Karachi Bar by hand in the petition. The court directed that the Karachi Bar be included through a separate miscellaneous application and adjourned further hearing until January 5.

The legal challenge follows disciplinary action taken earlier this week by the Punjab Bar Council, which suspended Advocate Ashfaq’s licence with immediate effect.

According to the PbBC, the suspension stemmed from his appearance before the Karachi City Courts while representing TikToker Rajab Butt during a lawyers’ strike called by the Karachi Bar Association.

The strike had been announced in protest against the alleged victimisation of the Karachi Bar Association’s former librarian, Naseer Muhammad Kalhoro.

Judicial proceedings were prohibited during the strike. The PbBC said it acted after receiving a formal complaint from the Karachi Bar Association’s president and general secretary, accompanied by a video circulating on social media that showed Advocate Ashfaq appearing in court despite the strike.

An order issued by PbBC Executive Committee Chairman Zabiullah Nagra stated that Advocate Ashfaq allegedly entered the court premises accompanied by private guards, which was described as a violation of the strike restrictions and the established code of conduct for lawyers.

The order further noted that statements made by the advocate during the incident were deemed inappropriate and damaging to the legal fraternity.

According to the council, the incident led to confrontation and unrest among lawyers, creating an atmosphere of discord and harming the unity and reputation of the legal community.

The executive committee unanimously decided to suspend Advocate Ashfaq’s licence and referred the matter to the disciplinary committee for further proceedings, including consideration of permanent cancellation.

Speaking to Dawn, Nagra said the PbBC was not required to issue a prior notice in cases involving professional misconduct, adding that advocates are presumed to be fully aware of the code of conduct governing the profession.

The controversy follows an incident earlier this week in which YouTuber Rajab Butt was physically assaulted at a Karachi sessions court during a hearing related to a case accusing him of hurting religious sentiments.

Advocate Ashfaq was representing Butt at the time, and the proceedings were disrupted by violence and chaos.

Advocate Ashfaq has also recently appeared as counsel for former spymaster Faiz Hameed in proceedings before a military court, adding further attention to the ongoing disciplinary and legal developments surrounding his suspension.