Law Students are Facing New Difficulties in Pakistan

Despite being a "recognized" international program in Pakistan, an alarming social media post by a representative of the Punjab Bar Council regarding the inability of "private" students preparing for external LLB examinations to apply for and obtain the license to practice law after receiving their degrees rang alarm bells among all students currently studying Law in Pakistan.

Nevertheless, this seems to be based on a misinterpretation of the Pakistan Bar Council's regulations as well as a general dislike of overseas LLB degree programs. Such a student may not be registered with a local teaching hub and is well within the rules of the university to prepare for their degree as well as its assessments but they may well choose, whether at home, in the library, or elsewhere. A "private" external student would be someone who is formally enrolled as a student with a university outside Pakistan giving its graduate degree through the use of online courses inside Pakistan after authorization from the Pakistan Bar Council.

Not just in Pakistan but also in over than 190 other nations throughout the world, the University of London's LLB degree course is one of those that is most well-liked. Their main goal is to encourage accessibility to high-quality education without the conventional restrictions and barriers associated with enrollment into this type of system. This seemed somewhat groundbreaking at the time, but the extensive experience gained in implementing these projects post-pandemic emphasizes the clear need for equal and fair education through remote, virtual, or e-learning.

To begin with, the Pakistan Bar Council's Legal Education Rules 2015 only apply to and govern colleges and universities that provide legal education in Pakistan and/or their students. They do not apply to "private" students. Regarding the status of private students, who may be properly registered with an approved university abroad but are not permitted to enroll in any teaching institutions or accredited law schools in Pakistan, the aforementioned guidelines are silent.

Following the Supreme Court's decision in 2007 regarding raising the bar for legal education in Pakistan, the Pakistan Bar Council petitioned for the adoption of these rules. Despite this, it's critical to realize that neither the Supreme Court decision nor the 2015 rules pertain to or address the situation of "private" pupils; therefore, it would be unfair to prevent them from applying for a license to practice.

The majority of women who might not be able to register in a program, for example due to childbirth, at-home care, or other mobility issues, may find these options accessible and helpful as a way to finish their education.

Additionally, there may be people who cannot afford to pay the additional fees of the local teaching institution and find studying independently a suitable option. The same may be true for those who are trying to continue their education while working as well.

There should be a system to access and receive the license if suitable candidates qualify.