Punjab Bar Council Suspends Licenses of Lahore High Court Bar’s Controversial President Babar Murtaza and Election Board

In a major development within the legal community, the Punjab Bar Council (PBC) has suspended the law licenses of Lahore High Court Bar Association’s controversial president Babar Murtaza, Election Board President Lehrasb Gondal, and several disputed body members for repeatedly violating official orders.

According to the decision issued by the Punjab Bar Council, the action was taken after the individuals allegedly ignored directives related to the Lahore High Court Bar elections. The council has also forwarded a reference to the Pakistan Bar Council seeking further disciplinary action, including the suspension of their right to practice before the Supreme Court.

The controversy stems from a petition filed by Advocate Raja Aamir Khan, upon which the Punjab Bar Council on February 28, 2026, suspended the election result for the office of the president of the Lahore High Court Bar Association. The decision was formally communicated to candidate Babar Murtaza and Election Board President Lehrasb Gondal, along with official notices.

Despite receiving the notices and being aware of the council’s ruling, both individuals allegedly failed to comply with the order. Authorities say Babar Murtaza continued to present himself as the president of the Lahore High Court Bar, an act the council considers a direct violation and contempt of its decision.

The Punjab Bar Council emphasized that it is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing all matters related to lawyers, and any violation of its orders regarding High Court Bar elections falls under professional misconduct.

In its ruling, the council stated that the clear violation of its directives by Lehrasb Gondal and Babar Murtaza amounts to contempt of the council’s authority, leading to the immediate suspension of their licenses.

As both lawyers are also practicing before the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Punjab Bar Council has referred the matter to the Pakistan Bar Council so that its disciplinary committee can initiate further proceedings under the law.