The Punjab Bar Council (PBC) has suspended the licenses of 125 lawyers and launched an investigation into 1,200 suspected LLB degree holders across Punjab.
The action follows reports that 1,200 law degrees issued by Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai University in Sindh may be suspicious. After receiving this information, the Punjab Bar Council started reviewing the educational records of the affected lawyers.
Lawyers Asked to Verify Academic Credentials
Punjab Bar Council Executive Committee Chairman Advocate Fakhar Hayat Awan directed authorities to investigate the matter.
The council has issued show-cause notices to the concerned lawyers. It has instructed them to submit their original educational documents, LLB degrees, and supporting evidence to verify the authenticity of their qualifications.
According to officials, the university informed the Punjab Bar Council about the questionable degrees through an official communication. Following this, the Executive Committee conducted a detailed review of the available records.
Scrutiny Leads to License Suspensions
During the verification process, the Punjab Bar Council found that 125 lawyers possessed degrees that appeared suspicious or could not be verified based on its records.
As a result, the Executive Committee immediately suspended their law licenses. Meanwhile, authorities continue reviewing the remaining suspected degrees as part of the ongoing investigation.
Advocate Fakhar Hayat Awan warned that any lawyer who fails to prove the authenticity of their educational qualifications may lose their license permanently.
He also stated that authorities could register criminal cases where necessary if investigations confirm document forgery or other legal violations.
Punjab Bar Council Adopts Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Punjab Bar Council said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the legal profession. The council emphasized that individuals with fake academic qualifications have no place in the legal community.
Advocate Fakhar Hayat Awan said the council will continue taking strict legal action against anyone involved in degree fraud or forgery.
He added that the Punjab Bar Council has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against fake degrees and all forms of academic irregularities.
According to the council, these measures aim to protect public confidence in the judicial system, strengthen professional standards, and uphold the rule of law across Punjab.
