The Punjab Bar Council has banned the lawyers for Momina Iqbal and MPA Saqib Chadhar from talking to the media.

Punjab Bar Council Warns Lawyers Against Discussing Momina Iqbal–Saqib Chadhar Case in Media

The ongoing dispute involving actress Momina Iqbal and Punjab Assembly member Saqib Chadhar took another important turn when the Punjab Bar Council's disciplinary committee directed all lawyers connected to the case to avoid discussing the matter publicly. The committee expressed concern that what began as a legal disagreement had gradually become a highly publicized conflict, attracting significant media attention and creating unnecessary controversy.

During a hearing held on Wednesday, the disciplinary committee reviewed complaints submitted by both sides. The meeting was attended by Momina Iqbal's sister and legal representative, Rimsha Iqbal, as well as lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq, who appeared on behalf of MPA Saqib Chadhar.

Committee chairman Abbas Ali Chadhar voiced his dissatisfaction with how the case had been handled in the public sphere. According to him, lawyers involved in the matter had allowed professional responsibilities to become overshadowed by personal disputes and public statements. He remarked that the legal battle appeared to have evolved into a clash of egos rather than remaining focused on legal principles and evidence.

The chairman instructed all lawyers associated with the case to refrain from speaking to journalists or appearing in media discussions related to the dispute. The committee emphasized that legal proceedings should be conducted within the appropriate judicial and professional forums rather than through television interviews or press conferences.

Another issue raised during the hearing involved the professional qualifications of lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq. The committee directed him to provide documentation regarding his law degree. While the request was procedural in nature, it became one of several points discussed during the lengthy session.

Mr. Ashfaq, meanwhile, raised concerns regarding Rimsha Iqbal's professional activities. He alleged that she had been employed in Australia while also maintaining her status as a practicing lawyer. According to his argument, legal regulations restrict lawyers from engaging in certain types of employment that may conflict with professional requirements.

Responding to the concerns, Rimsha Iqbal defended her position and rejected the allegations. She clarified that while studying in Australia, she worked part-time to support herself financially. She maintained that her activities did not violate any legal or professional rules and insisted that the accusations being made against her were unfounded.

The committee also questioned Rimsha about her public appearances. Chairman Abbas Ali Chadhar specifically asked how many times she had appeared in media interviews while wearing her professional lawyer's uniform. In response, she estimated that she had participated in approximately six or seven interviews in such attire.

Rimsha further explained her involvement in the matter by highlighting her family connection to actress Momina Iqbal. She stated that her support for her sister was natural and based on family ties rather than any personal agenda. She reiterated that she had acted within the boundaries of the law and had not committed any professional misconduct.

The hearing also featured comments from MPA Saqib Chadhar, who defended the actions of his legal counsel. According to the politician, lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq's public remarks were made while representing his client and protecting his interests. Chadhar argued that his lawyer had simply responded to circumstances surrounding the case and had spoken outside the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) office after being instructed to do so.

Lawyer Ashfaq also defended himself before the committee. He questioned why efforts had been made to challenge his legal license merely because he was performing his professional duty. He maintained that a lawyer's primary responsibility is to represent a client's position and communicate their perspective when necessary.

However, the committee chairman challenged that viewpoint. He raised concerns about the limits of public communication by legal professionals and asked whether lawyers should disclose every statement made by their clients to the media. He suggested that professional ethics require lawyers to exercise restraint and judgment when addressing sensitive matters publicly.

The discussion became particularly focused on language used during previous media interactions. Chairman Abbas Ali Chadhar criticized the use of the term "honey trap" during a press briefing connected to the case. He questioned whether such terminology was appropriate for a legal representative speaking in a professional capacity.

The chairman indicated that lawyers must be mindful of both their language and conduct, especially when discussing ongoing legal disputes. He stressed that public statements can influence perceptions and potentially affect the integrity of legal proceedings.

For his part, Ashfaq argued that the role of a lawyer often varies depending on the nature of the case. He stated that legal representatives must sometimes address public concerns while ensuring that their client's side of the story is fairly presented. According to him, balancing legal advocacy and public communication can be challenging in high-profile cases that attract widespread attention.

The controversy stems from allegations made by actress Momina Iqbal against MPA Saqib Chadhar. Momina accused the politician of sexual harassment and blackmail, claims that generated significant public discussion and media coverage. Following her complaint, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency initiated action and a police case was registered.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Saqib Chadhar obtained pre-arrest bail, preventing his immediate detention while investigations continue. The case remains under legal review, and authorities have yet to reach a final conclusion regarding the accusations and counterclaims made by both parties.

The Punjab Bar Council's intervention highlights broader concerns regarding the conduct of legal professionals in high-profile disputes. By restricting media discussions and emphasizing professional ethics, the committee appears determined to ensure that legal matters are resolved through established procedures rather than public debate.

Observers note that cases involving celebrities and politicians often attract intense media attention, creating additional pressure on lawyers, investigators, and the parties involved. In such situations, professional conduct becomes especially important to maintain public confidence in the legal process.

As the disciplinary proceedings continue, the committee's message remains clear: lawyers are expected to uphold professional standards and avoid turning legal disputes into media spectacles. Whether the case ultimately results in disciplinary action or further legal developments, the Punjab Bar Council has signaled its intention to prioritize ethical conduct and responsible legal representation above public controversy.

The matter is expected to remain under scrutiny in the coming weeks as both the disciplinary proceedings and the underlying legal case continue to move forward.

Also watch this :

Celebrities Demand Justice for Eshal Fatima After Tragic Jhang Incident