LAHORE: The Punjab Bar Council (PbBC) has warned the lawyers of disciplinary action if they disgraced the legal profession through their activities on social media.

PbBC Vice Chairman Kamran Bashir Mughal said amendments have been made to the rules and regulations of the council regarding the lawyers who cause disgrace to the profession through their social media activities.

Citing the amendments, he said that the case of any lawyer found involved in such disgraceful actions would be referred to the disciplinary committee.

He said as the PbBC, a regulatory body, could itself impose penalties on the lawyers, the police would not be allowed to register cases against them under the anti-terrorism law.

Mughal explained that the amendment for the prosecution specifies that any lawyer who posts or makes videos with film songs, bodyguards, or engages in any other activity that tarnishes the image of the black coat, would be held responsible for misconduct and such cases would be referred to the disciplinary committee for a decision.

He emphasised that the PbBC is a regulatory authority and strictly adheres to its established rules and regulations.

He alleged that the police had failed to maintain law and order and were trying to shift the blame onto lawyers through “negative tactics”.

The vice chairman condemned the registration of recent cases against lawyers on terrorism charges and demanded immediate steps to withdraw the same.

Mr Mughal urged the Lahore High Court chief justice to play phis role in bridging the divide between the bench and the bar.

He said the bar always stood behind the bench to uphold the dignity and freedom of the judiciary, and that the bench should also engage the bar to strengthen the judiciary.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2024