Proposed Amendment to Bar Council Act Aims to Ensure Full Independence from Attorney General

A significant amendment to the Legal Profession Act has been proposed, aiming to prevent the Attorney General from holding a seat on the Bar Council's Executive Committee. The amendment is part of broader efforts to enhance the independence of the Bar Council.

The bill, presented by PNC MP Hussain Sharif on behalf of the government, suggests that the inclusion of the Attorney General in the Bar Council's Executive Committee compromises the Council's independence. The proposed changes would alter the composition of the Executive Committee, which currently includes the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Attorney General, and six members.

Under the new amendment, the Executive Committee would consist of the President, Vice-President, and seven members, thereby excluding the Attorney General from its ranks.

MP Hussain Sharif emphasized the importance of the amendment, stating, "The Bar Council must operate with full independence to effectively oversee the legal profession without any influence from the Attorney General's office."

In addition to the restructuring of the Executive Committee, the amendment includes provisions for authenticating documents issued by educational institutions and official documents or educational qualifications issued to citizens by diplomatic missions for use abroad. This measure aims to ensure the validity and recognition of such documents internationally.

The proposed amendment has garnered attention and support from various legal professionals and organizations advocating for greater autonomy in the legal profession. By excluding the Attorney General from the Executive Committee, the Bar Council would be better positioned to operate without potential conflicts of interest, thereby strengthening the integrity of the legal system.

The bill is now under consideration by the Parliament, and if passed, it will mark a significant step towards reinforcing the independence of the Bar Council and enhancing the credibility of legal oversight in the country.