LAHORE: The Punjab Bar Council on Thursday suspended the practising licence of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq for appearing before a Karachi court during a lawyers’ strike, despite restrictions on judicial proceedings. The advocate represented TikToker and YouTuber Rajab Butt during the hearing, prompting disciplinary action by the council.
The Karachi Bar Association had announced the strike to protest the alleged victimisation of its former librarian, Naseer Muhammad Kalhoro. Consequently, bar leaders barred all judicial proceedings within the city courts’ premises. However, Advocate Ashfaq appeared before the Karachi City Courts while the strike remained in force.
According to an order issued by Executive Committee Chairman Zabiullah Nagra, the Punjab Bar Council acted after receiving a formal complaint from the Karachi Bar Association’s president and general secretary. The letter referred to a video circulating on social media that showed the advocate representing Rajab Butt during the strike.
Moreover, the order stated that Ashfaq allegedly entered the court premises with private guards or accompanying individuals, violating strike restrictions and professional norms. While defending his client, he also reportedly made remarks against the legal fraternity, which the council described as serious professional impropriety.
As a result, the council concluded that his conduct created discord among lawyers and damaged the unity and reputation of the legal community. The order noted that Ashfaq enrolled with the Punjab Bar Council in 2010 and with the high court in 2012, emphasising that practising lawyers must uphold the dignity of the profession at all times.
Subsequently, the executive committee unanimously decided to suspend his licence with immediate effect and referred the case to the disciplinary committee for proceedings that may lead to permanent cancellation.
Nagra said the council did not require prior notice in cases involving professional misconduct. He added that enrolled advocates are expected to know and follow the bar’s code of conduct.
Earlier this week, Rajab Butt was assaulted during a court hearing in Karachi, which turned chaotic while Ashfaq represented him. The advocate has also appeared as counsel for former spymaster Faiz Hameed in a concluded military court trial.
