The Lahore High Court (LHC) has recently taken a significant step towards enhancing access to justice by approving a select group of 24 lawyers to offer free legal aid services across Punjab. This initiative, sanctioned by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, aims to support underprivileged individuals who require legal assistance but may lack the financial means to secure representation.
These appointed lawyers were carefully chosen following recommendations from the Punjab Bar Council, reflecting a collaborative effort between the judiciary and the legal fraternity to ensure that justice remains accessible to all segments of society. The lawyers will be stationed at various important judicial benches throughout the province, including Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rawalpindi, thereby covering a broad geographic area to maximize outreach.
Breaking down the distribution, seven lawyers have been assigned to the Principal Seat in Lahore, which is the hub of legal activity in Punjab. Five lawyers will serve at the Multan Bench, four at the Bahawalpur Bench, and eight at the Rawalpindi Bench. This strategic allocation ensures that clients in both urban and semi-urban centers receive timely and effective legal support.
Among the distinguished advocates appointed for the Principal Seat are Afzal Ahmad, Danish Gul, Zahida Parveen, and Sardar Bilal Ahmad, all of whom bring a wealth of experience to the program. Additionally, Advocates Sohail Sharif and Muhammad Naeem have also been entrusted with responsibilities at the Lahore Principal Seat, further strengthening the legal aid framework in the provincial capital.
Similarly, the Multan Bench will benefit from the expertise of Muhammad Ali Butt, Muhammad Imran Saqi, Abdul Rahman Zauq, and Muhammad Amir Imran Yousaf, who are expected to handle a variety of cases requiring free legal assistance. At the Bahawalpur Bench, the approved lawyers include Atiq ur Rehman Nizami, Majid Riaz, Farzana Yaseen, and Habibullah, each known for their commitment to public service and legal advocacy.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Bench will see a robust team comprising Advocates Sheikh Abrar, Usman Durrani, Talha Kiani, Mohsin Ali Khan, and Nabeel Farhad Ranjha. Their involvement is anticipated to significantly ease the burden on the court system by providing pro bono services to those who might otherwise be unable to access legal representation.
This development is a positive stride towards strengthening the rule of law in Punjab by ensuring that legal aid is not a privilege but a right accessible to all citizens. It also highlights the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to social justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities through legal support. As these lawyers begin their work, it is expected that many deserving individuals will benefit from their expertise and dedication, helping to bridge the gap between the legal system and the public.
