The Punjab Bar Council has restored the practicing license of Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, counsel for TikToker Rajab Butt, while referring the matter to its disciplinary committee for further review.
The Punjab Bar Council restored Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq’s license following directions from the Lahore High Court. The court had ordered the Council to make a decision after hearing the objections raised by the lawyer.
While restoring the license, the Punjab Bar Council also referred the case to its disciplinary committee. The council is scheduled to submit a detailed report to the Lahore High Court at 2pm today, outlining its actions and findings.
Suspension challenged in high court
Barrister Ashfaq had earlier challenged the Punjab Bar Council’s decision to suspend his license by filing a petition in the Lahore High Court. The suspension had triggered legal debate over due process, prompting the court to intervene and seek a fresh decision.
Meanwhile, the Lahore Sessions Court has extended the interim bail of Rajab Butt and TikTok star Nadeem Naniwala until January 26, amid ongoing investigations by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Also Read: Court extends interim bail of YouTubers Rajab Butt, Nadeem Naniwala
Both social media personalities appeared in court under heavy security following earlier incidents in Karachi. Additional Sessions Judge Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi presided over the hearing of interim bail applications for Rajab Butt and Nadeem Naniwala.
During the session, the NCCIA lawyer informed the court that the investigating officer was currently occupied with proceedings in the high court and requested additional time to submit investigation records.
The court accepted this request, allowing the applications to be temporarily put on hold. The attendance of both accused was marked complete, and they were permitted to leave the courtroom.
