Lahore: The Lahore District Bar Association has played a pivotal role in exposing and initiating action against a fake lawyer operating in the city, leading to his arrest by Islampura Police on Thursday. The intervention, led by the President of the Lahore District Bar Association, has been widely praised as a significant step toward safeguarding the integrity of the legal profession.
According to the FIR registered at Police Station Islampura, ASI Ali Raza apprehended a man identified as Muhammad Shehzad, who was impersonating a High Court advocate in the Islampura market. The suspect was reportedly demanding money from citizens under the false pretense of providing legal assistance.
During questioning, the accused presented a bogus lawyer’s card and claimed to be an enrolled advocate. Police verification later confirmed that he has never been registered with any Bar Council in Pakistan. The FIR notes that the suspect was misleading and defrauding the public by unlawfully presenting himself as a legal practitioner.
Following confirmation from the Bar authorities, police registered a case under Sections 419 and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code, related to impersonation, cheating, and fraud. The accused was taken into custody for further investigation.
The Lahore District Bar Association stated that protecting the sanctity of the legal profession is its foremost responsibility. The President of the Bar Association was instrumental in ensuring swift coordination with law-enforcement agencies, leading to prompt action.
Legal experts note that impersonating a lawyer is a punishable offence in Pakistan. Under the **Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973**, no individual may practice law without valid enrollment. Fraudulently claiming to be a lawyer is a criminal act that can lead to imprisonment, fines, and long-term legal consequences.
The Bar Association reaffirmed its commitment to continuing efforts against fake practitioners, stating that such individuals tarnish the credibility of the justice system and pose serious risks to unsuspecting citizens.
Police have launched further inquiries to determine whether the accused was involved in additional incidents of fraud.
