MULTAN, Feb 12: Punjab Advocate General Shabbar Raza Rizvi on Thursday said lawyers' retainership fee for state cases had been increased from Rs1,500 to Rs3,000.

Speaking at a reception hosted in his honour by Lahore High Court Multan Bench's Bar, the advocate-general said the fee had been enhanced after 43 years. He said Punjab Bar Council's elections would not be delayed come what may.

Replying to a question, Mr Raza said the council funds were meant for the welfare of lawyers, and their embezzlement would not be allowed. The matter was being probed, he added. He said the Bar council was overloaded with committees. The number ought to be reduced to improve council's efficiency, he said. -APP