Punjab Bar Council has suspended the licences of 1,133 lawyers after they failed to submit law degrees verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The action is part of a large-scale campaign aimed at verifying the academic qualifications of practising advocates across the province.
According to the Punjab Bar Council, the verification drive examined the academic credentials of 1,194 lawyers who obtained degrees from seven different universities. The council said only 29 lawyers submitted HEC-verified degrees within the required deadline.
As a result, the licences of the remaining lawyers were suspended. Officials said the move is intended to protect the credibility of the legal profession and ensure that only qualified advocates are allowed to practice law.
The council also announced the suspension of licences belonging to 62 additional lawyers who hold degrees from Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai University. This follows similar action taken last week, when licences of another 125 lawyers from the same institution were suspended during the ongoing verification campaign.
The verification process is continuing as authorities examine the educational records of lawyers across different institutions. The council said the campaign is focused on confirming that all practising advocates possess genuine academic qualifications.
Meanwhile, 128 lawyers who submitted intimation documents have been directed to appear before the Punjab Bar Council on July 25. They have been instructed to bring their original academic records along with HEC degree verification certificates.
The council described the hearing as a final opportunity for these lawyers to prove the authenticity of their qualifications. Officials said failure to provide satisfactory evidence could result in further disciplinary action.
The Punjab Bar Council has also issued show-cause notices to individuals suspected of obtaining legal licences using fake or forged law degrees. The notices require the recipients to explain their position and provide supporting documents.
Authorities warned that criminal proceedings could be initiated against anyone unable to prove the authenticity of their academic credentials. The council stressed that submitting forged educational documents is a serious legal offence.
The disciplinary action was approved by Executive Committee Chairman Fakhar Hayat Awan. He said strict legal measures would be taken against anyone found guilty of presenting fake academic qualifications.
He also clarified that lawyers whose degrees are successfully verified by the Higher Education Commission will have the right to approach the Executive Committee for the restoration of their licences.
A formal notification regarding the suspensions has been issued by the Secretary of the Punjab Bar Council. The notification outlines the disciplinary measures and the procedures lawyers must follow to resolve their cases.
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The verification campaign reflects broader efforts to strengthen transparency and maintain professional standards within Pakistan’s legal community. Officials say the process will continue until all pending cases have been reviewed in accordance with the law.
