The Punjab Bar Council has suspended the license of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq, the lawyer representing Raja Butt, following an incident involving unrest and confrontation among lawyers in Karachi.
According to the Bar Council, the decision was taken by the Executive Committee, chaired by Zabihullah Nagra, after reviewing the matter. The case has also been referred to the Disciplinary Committee for further proceedings.
In its statement, the Punjab Bar Council said that Mian Ali Ashfaq appeared in court along with his client during a lawyers’ strike, despite judicial proceedings being restricted at the time. It was further stated that the advocate entered the bar premises accompanied by private security guards, which the council described as a violation of the lawyers’ code of conduct.
The Bar Council noted that the situation escalated into chaos and confrontation among lawyers, alleging that statements made by Mian Ali Ashfaq against members of the legal community contributed to divisions within the bar.
Officials stated that the advocate’s actions damaged unity among lawyers and breached professional standards. As a result, his license to practice law has been suspended, and the matter has been forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee for further action, which may include proceedings related to permanent cancellation of his license.
The Punjab Bar Council emphasized that all advocates are required to uphold professional conduct, respect bar rules, and avoid actions that disrupt unity within the legal fraternity.
