Islamabad High Court Gets Three New Permanent Judges Amid Internal Controversy
The federal government has confirmed three new permanent judges for the Islamabad High Court (IHC). They are likely to take their oaths on Monday. This action finalizes a process that was delayed last week.
Appointments Amid Internal Debate
The Ministry of Law issued the official notification on January 17. President Asif Ali Zardari appointed Justices Muhammad Azam Khan, Muhammad Asif, and Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas. However, this confirmation faced notable internal opposition. Senior IHC judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani strongly objected during Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) proceedings. He reportedly questioned the performance and competence of the three judges. Justice Kayani had even sought their performance records before writing a formal letter of opposition.
Overwhelming Commission Approval
The JCP thoroughly discussed these objections in its January 12 meeting. Despite the controversy, the commission approved the confirmations by an overwhelming majority. Each of the three judges secured 13 out of 17 possible votes. Official data on case disposal influenced the decision. Justice Minhas led by deciding 2,039 cases last year. Justices Khan and Asif disposed of 1,841 and 1,338 cases, respectively. Consequently, the appointments proceed, marking a new chapter for the IHC bench.
