Supreme Court Affirms Controversial Judge Transfers in Pakistan
Pakistan's Supreme Court has dismissed petitions challenging the transfer of three high court judges, ensuring the continuity of one as the Islamabad High Court's chief justice. The judgment, split 3-2, upholds the transfers but refers seniority issues to the president. This decision impacts the IHC's judicial hierarchy.
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- Pakistan
In a pivotal ruling, Pakistan's Supreme Court has rejected petitions contesting the transfer of three high court judges, which secures one of them in the role of chief justice at the Islamabad High Court. The decision, issued on Thursday, finds that the transfers are constitutional while passing the seniority dispute to the country's president for resolution.
The controversy began when Justices Sarfraz Dogar, Muhammad Asif, and Khadim Hussain Soomro were transferred to the Islamabad High Court. Five judges from the same court, as well as former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Karachi Bar Association, filed petitions, arguing that the moves compromised judicial seniority.
The apex court's ruling arrived with a split decision of 3-2, as Justice Muhammad Ali Mazh sided with the majority along with Justices Shahid Bilal and Salahuddin. Nevertheless, Justices Naeem Afghan and Shakeel Ahmed voiced their dissent. The result of this contentious decision will shape the IHC's judicial leadership and future elevations to the Supreme Court.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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