Rajab Butt appeared before the court regarding a bail plea in a case accusing him of hurting religious sentiments. What was expected to be a normal proceeding quickly escalated into violence when a group of lawyers reportedly assaulted him. Disturbing footage showed Butt struggling to escape, his shirt ripped, as he tried to move through a hostile crowd.
Mian Ali Ashfaq, Rajab Butt’s lawyer, described the incident as a “life-threatening assault” and confirmed that a police case had been registered. The assault prompted strong condemnation from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), which expressed “grave concern” over the attack.
HRCP warned that such acts of violence and intimidation, especially inside court premises, undermine the rule of law and strike at the heart of justice. The commission demanded a swift and impartial investigation and called for strict accountability for those responsible. It also urged immediate measures to ensure the safety of litigants, lawyers, and court officials.
The case was filed based on a complaint by Rajab Butt’s counsel. Alleged assailants include Advocates Riaz Ali Solangi, Abdul Fatah, and 15–20 unidentified lawyers. The controversy escalated further when a group of lawyers reportedly stormed the City Courts police station, manhandled the station officer, and staged a sit-in protest on M.A. Jinnah Road, demanding action against Rajab Butt.
In a related development, the Punjab Bar Council suspended the license of Rajab Butt’s lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, for attending court despite a strike called by the local bar. The council accused Ashfaq of making statements against the legal fraternity, labeling it “serious professional impropriety.”
In other news read more about: ‘Not a Single Tear from My Eye’: Rajab Butt Speaks Out After Brutal Assault by Lawyers in Karachi
The incident has sparked nationwide debate over accountability, professional conduct, and the breakdown of order within institutions designed to uphold justice. Rajab Butt’s assault highlights growing concerns about safety inside courts and the need for stronger measures to protect litigants and court staff.
