Barrister Imran Ali Mithani is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Mithani Law Associates & Co. Barristers and Advocates and is a respected member of the legal community. Upholding the dignity of lawyers and ensuring the supremacy and independence of the judiciary are among his foremost professional priorities. In the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) Elections 2026–27, he is contesting for the office of Secretary General. He previously served as Joint Secretary of the SHCBA in 2022, during which he was associated with several initiatives, including the renovation of the Bar Room and the organisation of academic programmes.
Interview with Barrister Imran Ali Mithani:
In an online conversation with mylawyers.pk, Barrister Imran Ali Mithani discussed his previous tenure, his vision for the upcoming elections, the independence of the Bar, legal education, and recent developments concerning the judiciary.
Q. Imran Ali Mithani sahib, you have previously served as an office-bearer of the SHCBA. What was your position, and what initiatives did you undertake during your tenure?
Barrister Imran Ali Mithani: I served as Joint Secretary of the Sindh High Court Bar Association in 2022. During my tenure, I made efforts to renovate the Bar Room in a style inspired by the globally renowned Lincoln Bar. I also initiated academic programmes covering arbitration and other important legal subjects.
Overall, it was a valuable and rewarding experience. I believe the initiatives undertaken during that period were positively received by members of the legal community associated with the Sindh High Court.
Q. What is your motto for the upcoming elections?
Barrister Imran Ali Mithani: For me, the welfare and dignity of lawyers are of paramount importance. The rule of law is closely connected with a strong, respected and independent legal profession.
The Constitution guarantees certain rights and protections to lawyers, and those rights must be safeguarded and upheld. My focus will therefore remain on protecting the legitimate interests of lawyers while strengthening the independence and dignity of the Bar.
Q. How can this vision contribute to improving the delivery of justice in Pakistan, where millions of cases remain pending?
Barrister Imran Ali Mithani: A strong and independent Bar is essential for the effective functioning of the justice system. When the Bar is strong, responsible and independent, the rule of law is strengthened and the delivery of justice can become more effective and timely.
Lawyers have a fundamental role in ensuring access to justice, protecting constitutional rights and assisting the courts in the administration of justice.
Q. Are you contesting the election as part of the Independent or Professional Group of lawyers?
Barrister Imran Ali Mithani: I am neither a member of the Independent Panel nor of the Professional Group. I have my own platform, “Voice of Bar,” comprising lawyers who are sincere about the welfare of the legal community and the independence of the judiciary.
At the same time, we maintain good communication and cooperation with members of both groups. We are colleagues and friends within the Bar. We assist and support one another on professional and legal matters despite differences in electoral affiliations.
Q. How do you view the ongoing politicisation of Bar associations in Pakistan?
Barrister Imran Ali Mithani: In my view, the Bar should remain independent, professional and effective. Every lawyer, like every citizen, is entitled to have personal political affiliations and social views. However, in professional matters, the Bar should maintain its neutrality and independence.
Bar associations should provide a forum for healthy debate, constructive discussion and the exchange of ideas. Such an environment can contribute positively to the administration of justice and, ultimately, to the development of a peaceful and stable society.
Q. Recently, Bar councils have cancelled or suspended the licences of lawyers who obtained law degrees from unregistered institutions. What is your view on the matter?
Barrister Imran Ali Mithani: Clearly, individuals who do not meet the legal and regulatory requirements for enrolment should not be granted or allowed to retain a licence to practise law.
Lawyers are entrusted with the important responsibility of providing legal assistance and representing people before courts and other forums. The legal profession must therefore maintain proper standards of education, professional conduct and integrity. Anyone entering the profession must fulfil the prescribed legal and regulatory requirements.
Q. At the federal level, the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court have emerged with different rulings in some recent cases. How do you view this development?
Barrister Imran Ali Mithani: The 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments set out the respective roles, jurisdictions and limits of the relevant judicial authorities. The constitutional framework should be respected and interpreted in accordance with the law.
If institutions such as the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Pakistan Bar Council remain strong, independent and responsible, lawyers can play a constructive role in addressing any legal or constitutional questions that arise.
Lawyers can certainly debate and respond to the consequences of constitutional developments through lawful and professional means. However, where constitutional amendments are concerned, the authority to amend the Constitution rests with Parliament through the constitutional process.
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Editorial, mylawyers.pk