The Punjab Bar Council’s disciplinary committee has barred lawyers in the Momina Iqbal case from speaking publicly. Consequently, legal representatives from both sides must avoid discussing the matter with the media.
The directive came during hearings on complaints filed by lawyers representing both parties. The committee reviewed allegations exchanged between counsels involved in the dispute.
Committee Chairman Abbas Ali Chadhar observed that the matter had escalated unnecessarily. He remarked that lawyers had transformed a private dispute into a matter of personal ego.
Actor Momina Iqbal was represented by her sister and counsel Rimsha Iqbal. Meanwhile, PML-N lawmaker Saqib Chadhar appeared through his counsel Mian Ali Ashfaq.
Committee Questions Lawyers’ Public Statements
During proceedings, the chairman instructed all lawyers connected to the case to avoid media appearances. Therefore, neither side may publicly comment on the matter.
The committee also directed Advocate Ashfaq to produce his Bar-at-Law degree. Additionally, questions arose regarding Rimsha Iqbal’s professional status and previous employment in Australia.
Ashfaq argued that legal practitioners cannot hold certain forms of employment while enrolled as lawyers. In response, Rimsha stated that she had worked part-time while studying abroad.
The chairman also asked how many media interviews she had given in legal attire. She replied that she had participated in six or seven interviews.
Hearing Focuses on Professional Conduct
Rimsha told the committee that she supported her sister because of their family relationship. Furthermore, she maintained that allegations against her lacked merit.
MPA Chadhar also defended his counsel’s conduct before the committee. He stated that comments made outside the NCCIA office occurred under his instructions.
The chairman questioned whether lawyers should relay every client statement to the media. Moreover, he emphasized the need for professional limits in public commentary.
The committee also raised concerns over the use of the term “honey trap” during a press briefing. Meanwhile, the underlying case remains under investigation after an FIR accused Chadhar of harassment and blackmail. He has since secured pre-arrest bail.
