The Punjab Bar Council suspended 1,133 lawyers after they failed to submit Higher Education Commission-verified law degrees. The action forms part of a province-wide campaign verifying practising lawyers’ academic credentials.
Officials said the exercise aims to strengthen professional standards. Moreover, they want to ensure only qualified advocates continue practising.
Verification Campaign Expands
The Punjab Bar Council reviewed the law degrees of 1,194 lawyers from seven universities. However, only 29 lawyers submitted HEC-verified degrees within the deadline.
Therefore, authorities suspended the licences of the remaining lawyers. Meanwhile, the council also suspended licences of 62 lawyers holding degrees from Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai University.
Last week, officials had already suspended licences of another 125 lawyers from the same institution. The verification campaign continues as authorities examine additional academic records.
Strict Action Against Fake Degrees
Additionally, the council directed 128 lawyers to appear before it on July 25. They must present original academic records and HEC degree verification certificates.
Officials described the hearing as their final opportunity to prove qualification authenticity. Furthermore, the council issued show-cause notices to individuals suspected of securing licences through fake law degrees.
Authorities warned they could initiate criminal proceedings against anyone unable to provide satisfactory academic evidence. Chairman of the Executive Committee Fakhar Hayat Awan approved the disciplinary measures.
He said authorities would take strict legal action against anyone submitting forged academic documents. However, lawyers whose degrees receive HEC verification may request licence restoration through the Executive Committee.
Finally, the Punjab Bar Council Secretary issued a formal notification confirming the disciplinary action and verification decisions.
