A new seniority list issued after the transfer of three judges to IHC.
Two more judges likely to file separate representations.
ISLAMABAD: A group of five judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has once again raised concerns over judicial seniority. They have formally submitted a representation to the IHC chief justice, objecting to the revised seniority list issued after the transfer of three judges.
A copy of their concerns has also been forwarded to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi. The judges have requested the CJP to postpone the meeting of the judicial commission for appointing judges to the Supreme Court until the issue of judicial seniority is resolved.
Following the transfer of judges from three provincial high courts to the IHC, a new seniority list was issued with the approval of IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. In response, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, and Justice Saman Riffat Imtiaz have sent a representation to Justice Farooq.
The judges argue that, according to the Constitution, a judge must take a new oath when transferred to another high court, and their seniority should be determined based on this new oath.
It is important to note that the representation filed by the judges pertains solely to the issue of seniority and is not related to the transfer of judges.
According to sources, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir are also expected to file separate representations.
The judges have reiterated their request to CJP Afridi, urging him to delay the judicial commission meeting until the issue of IHC judges’ seniority is resolved.
Administrative Changes in Islamabad High Court
Meanwhile, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has introduced several administrative changes following the induction of three new judges.
Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar has been appointed as the administrative judge for the anti-terrorism courts and accountability courts, replacing Justice Kayani in this role.
Similarly, Justice Muhammad Azam Khan has been appointed as the administrative judge of the district courts (West) Islamabad.
As per office orders, Justice Tahir has been designated as the administrative judge of FIA courts, while Justice Saman has been appointed as the administrative judge of the banking courts.
