G. Mujtaba Phull is a highly senior and well-respected lawyer in legal fraternity of Pakistan. His expertise in Civil, Criminal, Banking and Constitutional Petitions is second to none. He runs his own Mujataba Phull Law Chambers (MPLC) in Karachi and are known as a trusted and truthful advocate of Supreme Court of Pakistan who always calls a spade a spade.
Mujtaba Phull & His Persistent Role against Misrule:
Resistance against anarchy and anti-constitutionalism always remains his motto. The 2007 Lawyers Movement was the time when protests across Pakistan by the legal community and civil society to defend the supremacy of the constitution and civilian institutions over military dictatorship were in headlines. In one of such protests, Mujtaba Phull received bullets on his body on 12 May 2007 by law enforcement agencies and got severely injured. However, he didn’t stop resistance and that’s why he calls himself a Ghazi in the war against Anarchy.
In the Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association Elections 2026-27, G. Mujtaba Phull is a candidate for the Member Executive Committee’ Sindh Seat from Professional Group. Along with him, Advocate Abdul Wahab Baluch and Advocate Amir Jameel Verk are also vying for the posts of Vice President and Member Executive Committee respectively from Sindh on behalf of Professional Group.
Interview with myLawyers:
In a brief conversation with mylawyers.pk, he has share his vision and views about bar associations, lawyers’ politics and political interferences, which is being published as an exclusive interview of G. Mujtaba Phull.
Question 1. Mujtaba Sahib, you are contesting the Supreme Court Bar Association election from Sindh. What has been your previous experience as an office-bearer of a bar association?
G. Mujtaba Phull: I served as a Member of the Managing Committee of the Karachi Bar Association in 2008. Those were good days for the lawyers’ community as a whole. After that, I chose to stay away from representing bars or associations and concentrated on my professional career. However, in recent times, when bar politics has become increasingly polarized and politicized, I decided that it was time to play my role at the Supreme Court Bar Association level.
Question 2. Why have you chosen to contest the election from the Professional Group?
G. Mujtaba Phull: I chose the Professional Group because I believe it is comparatively more senior and sincerer and committed to lawyers’ welfare and the integrity of bar institutions. It is represented by many senior, respected and renowned members of Pakistan’s legal fraternity. Leaders such as Hamid Ali Khan, Munir A. Malik, Ali and Ahmed Kurd have demonstrated high esteem, competence and professional integrity.
The leadership of the Professional Group does not need any “besakhis”—untoward backing or patronage from the country’s powerful quarters—to contest elections. In my view, the Independent Group has increasingly relied on political parties, governments and establishment support. I believe bar elections should be fought on professional principles, merit and the interests of the legal fraternity.
Question 3. How do you assess Pakistan’s current legal and constitutional landscape?
G. Mujtaba Phull: Unfortunately, I do not believe this is an era in which the rule of law is prevailing in its true spirit. There are serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary, while the judicial system has also become highly polarized and politicized.
At the same time, bar associations and councils are not focusing sufficiently on the fundamental issues concerning the rule of law, constitutional supremacy and lawyers’ rights. The legal fraternity has historically played an important role in defending constitutionalism, and we must not allow that tradition to weaken.
Question 4. If elected, what changes would you like to bring to the Sindh Chapter of the Supreme Court Bar Association?
G. Mujtaba Phull: I do not believe in portraying rosy pictures. In the present polarized circumstances, simply standing against a negative narrative is itself a difficult task. It would also be foolish for one Member of the Managing Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association to claim that he can bring a revolution to Pakistan’s entire legal landscape.
However, I certainly want to contribute positively to the welfare of the lawyers’ fraternity. Issues such as lawyers’ insurance, family protection and the education of their children deserve serious attention. These are practical areas where the bar can make a meaningful difference.
For me, the supremacy of the Constitution is an ideology. I will always advocate constitutional supremacy. I also believe that the Establishment must remain within its constitutional domain and should not interfere in constitutional or political matters. I will continue to resist any such interference.
Question 5. How do you view the increasing politicization of bar councils and associations?
G. Mujtaba Phull: There are two dimensions to politics within the bar: ideology and necessity. The Professional Group’s focus, in my view, is ideology, whereas our rival Independent Group has been manipulating and politicizing issues concerning the legal fraternity in the name of necessity.
We are living in the era of Form 47, and I believe this has also influenced the way political interests seek to retain their positions in bar associations and councils across the country. Bar institutions should not become extensions of political interests. Their primary responsibility must remain the protection of the legal profession, the rule of law and constitutional institutions.
Question 6. What, in your opinion, is the biggest weakness of the lawyers’ community today?
Mujtaba Phull: The biggest irony today is that many good people have become silent. They are reluctant to stand up against negative elements and developments that undermine the dignity and independence of the legal profession.
The lawyers’ community has always had a strong voice in Pakistan’s constitutional and democratic struggles. We need to revive that courage. Lawyers must speak for constitutional supremacy, judicial independence and the rights of their colleagues. Silence from responsible members of the fraternity only creates space for those who want to weaken bar institutions.
Question 7. You have described yourself as a “Ghazi” in the struggle against anarchy. What message would you like to give to lawyers and voters in the Supreme Court Bar Association election?
G. Mujtaba Phull: My position has always been clear: resistance to anarchy and anti-constitutionalism is my motto. During the 2012 Lawyers Alliance movement, I was severely injured after sustaining bullet wounds during a protest. That experience strengthened my resolve rather than weakening it. That is why I call myself a Ghazi in the struggle against anarchy.
My message to the lawyers is simple: the supremacy of the Constitution and the dignity of the black coat must remain supreme. Bar associations should serve lawyers and the justice system, not political interests or powerful individuals. We must restore professionalism, integrity and independence to our bar institutions.
I am contesting this election not merely for a position but to contribute to a legal fraternity that is independent, respected and capable of standing firmly for constitutionalism and the rule of law.
By
Editorial, mylawyers.pk