ISLAMABAD – Punjab Bar Council PbBC issued notices to scores of lawyers across region for creating promotional videos on TikTok and other social media platforms.
PbBC Vice Chairman Zabihullah Nagra said the council is taking hard line against “promotion” by lawyers online. “We are closely monitoring all lawyers’ social media activity. Those misusing the profession for personal fame will face consequences,” he warned.
The crackdown follows high-profile suspension of lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq, who represented TikToker Rajab Butt. The suspension stems from social media-related incidents, including an alleged controversy where Rajab Butt criticized a Karachi lawyer in a vlog. The fallout turned violent: when Rajab appeared in Karachi District Court, a group of lawyers allegedly assaulted him, later justifying the attack in a revenge-themed vlog.
As Ali Ashfaq allegedly appeared in court with his guards despite a lawyers’ boycott, the Karachi Bar formally requested Punjab Bar Council to take disciplinary action, leading to the suspension of his license. The case is now before the Lahore High Court, where Ashfaq has petitioned for reinstatement. The court has asked the Council for a formal response.
Punjab Bar Council’s stance is rooted in new code of conduct issued last October, restricingh lawyers from making or sharing videos on social media platforms like TikTok. The code declares that any lawyer violating this rule faces license cancellation. The move has sparked debate across the legal community.
Council clarified that social media cannot be used for personal promotion or legal debates in ways that breach professional ethics. “Lawyering is a respected profession. It is not a platform for content creation or acting,” Nagrah emphasized. “We are watching closely—especially after recent lawyer elections. We did not want campaigns fought on TikTok.”
A special committee reviewed social media activity and sent individual notices to those creating content while posing as lawyers. “We do not want to shut anyone out of their livelihood, so warning letters were issued first. Those who ignore them will face disciplinary action. Hundreds of lawyers have already been warned,” Nagra said.
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