The Higher Education Commission of the Legal Education Committee of the Pakistan Bar Council has ordered the University of Punjab to immediately stop further admissions in its LL.B programme for non-compliance with codal procedures. The Committee also called upon the Registrar of Punjab University’s Quaid-e-Azam Campus to provide an explanation in detail at the earliest.
Issue of Non-Compliance with PBC Rules
The problem occurred because the university has failed to get its LL.B students registered with the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) as per Rule 4(v) of the Legal Education Rules, 2015. Despite being asked in writing through letters on April 26 and June 24 this year, the university did not comply.
University’s Delayed Responses and Contradictory Statements
In a letter on September 27, the Principal of University Law College informed the PBC that the admission process was still in progress, and the list of students would be provided soon. However, the Registrar’s letter of October 31 contradicted this assurance. It stated that the matter was still under consideration by the Syndicate, further delaying the student registration process.
PBC’s Frustration and Concerns Over University’s Actions
The PBC expressed frustration, stating that the university had already confirmed Syndicate approval in March 2024 and issued directions to affiliated colleges to register their students. The repeated back-and-forth demonstrated the university’s lack of genuine interest in getting its law students or affiliated colleges registered with the PBC.
PBC Threatens Derecognition of Law Degrees
The Committee showed grave concern regarding the university’s conduct and emphasized that institutions imparting legal education under the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973, are required to follow the rules and decisions of the PBC. The PBC warned that non-compliance may result in the derecognition of the university’s law degrees.
Immediate on FresBan h Admissions to LL.B Programme
As a preliminary step, the PBC has imposed an immediate ban on fresh admissions to the LL.B programme. The university has been instructed to “admit no student till further orders.”
Criticism of University’s Failure to Provide Required Information
The PBC also criticized the university for failing to provide information regarding LL.M students admitted over the last five years. Additionally, the university did not supply data on faculty salary structure, computer laboratory facilities, and law library resources.
Private Law Colleges Affiliated with Punjab University Also Targeted
Private law colleges affiliated with Punjab University were reminded to register their students with the PBC without delay. Non-compliant colleges were warned that they would be summoned to the Committee’s next meeting to explain their inaction.
PBC Emphasizes Importance of Compliance for Legal Education Credibility
The PBC once again stressed that compliance with its rules is essential for maintaining the credibility of legal education in Pakistan. Non-compliance, the Committee warned, would lead to severe consequences for both the university and its affiliated institutions.
