The Punjab Bar Council heard an application seeking the suspension of the licences of Mian Ali Ashfaq, counsel for PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar, and Rimsha Iqbal, sister of Momina Iqbal.
The Punjab Bar's Disciplinary Committee directed the lawyers for Rimsha Iqbal and Saqib Chadhar not to discuss the case in the media.
A four-member committee headed by Chairman Abbas Ali Chadhar conducted the hearing. During the proceedings, MPA Saqib Chadhar appeared before the committee accompanied by his counsel, Mian Ali Ashfaq.
Before the committee, Saqib Chadhar stated that Mian Ali Ashfaq was acting as his lawyer and had spoken to the media on his instructions. He said he possessed evidence to support all statements made.
Mian Ali Ashfaq told the committee that he had only presented his client's position to the media. He stated that Saqib Chadhar is a member of the Punjab Assembly and that action was taken after Momina Iqbal posted material on social media.
He said a complaint was subsequently filed with the NCCIA and that they joined an inquiry on May 21. He stated that Rimsha and Momina had spoken to the media first, after which his side responded. He said documentary evidence was available in support of his position.
Presenting her arguments, Rimsha Iqbal stated that she stood by her sister, Momina Iqbal. She said the allegations levelled against her were baseless.
Committee member Ghulam Abbas Chadhar remarked that two lawyers had turned a dispute between parties into a matter of personal ego.
Rimsha Iqbal informed the committee that she was studying in Australia and worked additional hours alongside her studies.
Committee chairman Ghulam Abbas Chadhar directed that no lawyer connected with the case would speak to the media regarding the matter.
The Punjab Bar Council adjourned the hearing until next week.
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