Barrister Salman Safdar is a law graduate from London School of Economics & Political Sciences and was called to the Bar from the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, United Kingdom in the year 1999. As part of his training, Salman Safdar worked with various eminent Barristers and conducted several trials in the Crown Courts of England. He completed his pupilage at two renowned law firms in the United Kingdom, Miles and Co and Miles and Partners.
Upon returning to Pakistan in 2000, he had the Honour of working with Senior Advocate Supreme Court, Mr. Khawaja Sultan Ahmad, under whose guidance and pupilage he further refined the art of cross examination and advocacy skills. Contributing in both trial and appellate work, Salman began building a reputation of a staunch opponent in Court, with exceptional advocacy skills.
In early 2002 Salman began working independently in his own Chamber and in a short span of time, the Chamber earned a good repute for its expertise and professionalism amongst both the bench and the bar. The Chamber specialized in criminal litigation, with expertise in the newly developing anti-terror and financial crime sector.
In 2004 the Government, through Ministry of Law & Human Rights Division, appointed Salman as a Special Prosecutor for Anti-Terrorism cases in the Province of Punjab recognizing his ability to work under pressure and take on cases that most lawyers would normally avoid. His competence was appreciated by the Honorable Judges of the High Court and he maintained several convictions in a system where appeals are more likely to be admitted that not
Salman’s experience as a prosecutor in Anti-Terrorism cases has given him insight into arrest, investigation and trial procedures. He realizes the failings of the system and where it is at the weakest. In light of his experience, he is often invited as a policy commentator and consultant in suggesting and amending the current statute.
Given Barrister Salman Safdar’s dedication to his chosen field and focus on professionalism, he is the top choice for educators and institutions seeking to impart core legal skills and training to future lawyers. Barrister Salman Safdar is a Lecturer of Criminal Law at LGS University and previously taught the same at University College Lahore (UCL) and the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Barrister Salman Safdar deeply enjoys his teaching engagements and believes it his duty to impart his experience as a criminal lawyer to the next generation of criminal lawyers so that he can play his part in shaping the future of criminal litigation in Pakistan. He is also regularly invited by the High Court Bar Association to lecture practicing lawyers on advocacy skills and specific topics in criminal law.
Realizing the difficulties faced by appellate prosecutors, Salman began his foray in to training prosecutors and police officials to improve the general standard of criminal prosecutions in Pakistan. His contributions were recognized when he was taken upon as a consultant by the US Embassy in the Access to Justice Program. Concurrently, he conducted police investigation trainings, workshops on forensic legal regime and lectures at the Punjab Judicial Academy. He is one of the few experts on Prosecution development in the country and regularly conducts lectures and workshops on criminal procedure, evidence and advocacy skills.
His experience includes legal representation in over 3000 murder cases and innumerable high-profile criminal cases. Advising clients on immigration matters also falls within his specialization and expertise. Salman was given the “Outstanding Performance Award” by the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan in 2006 at Lahore.