According to a statement issued after a meeting of the PBC executive committee, the action was taken after the lawyer appeared in court accompanied by private guards despite an ongoing court boycott, a move the council said violated judicial rules and professional ethics.

The statement said the executive committee also took strong exception to remarks attributed to Ali Ashfaq against the legal fraternity, noting that such statements harmed the unity, dignity and credibility of lawyers.

The council maintained that the actions fell within the ambit of professional misconduct. It said the executive committee unanimously decided to suspend Ali Ashfaq’s licence with immediate effect.

The case has been referred to the PBC’s disciplinary committee for proceedings regarding the permanent cancellation of his licence.