LAHORE: The Punjab government on Monday terminated services of Additional Advocate General Khawar Ikram Bhatti, who had slapped a police officer outside an Islamabad accountability court during appearance of Maryam Nawaz in corruption references.

A notification issued by Law Secretary Dr Syed Abdul Hassan Najmee says, “The competent authority is pleased to dispense with the services of Khawar Ikram Bhatti, additional advocate general, Punjab, with immediate effect.”

Mr Bhatti and lawyers affiliated with PML-N had on Oct 13 last gathered outside Federal Judicial Complex, Islamabad, where Maryam Nawaz and her husband Mr Safdar had arrived. The lawyers had a scuffle with police when they were not allowed to enter the court. During the brawl, Bhatti slapped a police officer. The incident was aired by television channels.

Earlier, on Monday morning, Mr Bhatti was barred by a Lahore High Court judge from representing the government in his court.

Justice Ibadur Rehman Lodhi was hearing cases when the AAG appeared as a designated law officer for the court. The judge directed his staff to convey the court’s concern to the Punjab advocate general with instructions to appoint some other law officer for the court who had no political affiliation.

The judge observed it did not suit a government counsel to indulge in political activities and slap an official. The judge noted that the law officers were supposed to serve government not any political party.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2017