The Lahore High Court (LHC) has taken a keen interest in the case involving YouTuber Rajab Butt after the suspension of his lawyer’s practicing license.
On Monday, Justice Malik Awais Khalid summoned the full record from the Punjab Bar Council (PbBC) regarding the suspension of Advocate Mian Ali Ashfaq. Ashfaq represents Rajab Butt in ongoing legal matters.
The petition filed by Ashfaq challenges the legality of the suspension. He claims the PbBC executive committee acted without proper authority or notice.
During the hearing, the judge questioned whether a lawyer’s license could be suspended without issuing a prior notice or hearing the lawyer’s response.
PbBC’s counsel argued that all legal requirements were met before the suspension. He added that the petition was not maintainable at this stage and that the petitioner should approach the appropriate forum.
Advocate Shazeb Masood, representing Ashfaq, countered that the suspension was unlawful. He emphasized that only the PbBC tribunal holds the power to suspend a practicing license.
The LHC directed PbBC’s lawyer to submit the complete record by Tuesday. This includes the complaint lodged against Ashfaq and details of the executive committee’s decision.
The suspension order cited a complaint by the president and general secretary of the Karachi Bar Association. It followed a strike in protest of alleged victimization of the Association’s former librarian, Naseer Muhammad Kalhoro.
According to the order, while defending Rajab Butt, Ashfaq made statements deemed by the PbBC as serious professional impropriety against the legal fraternity.
The executive committee voted unanimously to suspend his license immediately. The case has also been referred to the disciplinary committee of the PbBC for further proceedings. The committee will consider whether to cancel the license permanently, following due legal process.
This case has placed Rajab Butt under national scrutiny, highlighting the intersection of digital media personalities and traditional legal frameworks. Legal experts suggest the LHC’s intervention could set an important precedent regarding lawyer conduct and disciplinary procedures in Pakistan.
The next hearing will reveal more details as PbBC submits the full record, and the court evaluates the legality of the suspension. Also read our exclusive piece on Mahira Khan Shares her Biggest Fear in Interview to learn about the actress’s personal thoughts and experiences.
