- Bench cites ‘sensitive questions’ including judge’s competence, seeks AGP assistance
- Barrister Jadoon files plea seeking audio, video recording of Sept 16 hearing, terms order contradicted remarks made in court
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued a written order barring Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri from performing judicial duties in the fake degree case, pending a decision from the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).
A two-member division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan released a two-page order stating that Justice Jahangiri would remain restrained from judicial work until the SJC decided the matter. The bench noted that the case involved “sensitive questions,” including one relating to the judge’s competence.
The order further recorded that a complaint against Justice Jahangiri was already pending before the SJC. It directed him to refrain from exercising judicial powers until the council reached its decision. The bench also sought assistance from the Attorney General and the Advocate General Islamabad on October 21 and approved another petitioner’s application to become a party in the case.
Separate petition on recording of court proceedings
In a related development, a petition was filed in the IHC seeking access to the audio and video recordings of the September 16 hearing, during which the bench restrained Justice Jahangiri.
Filed by Barrister Jahangir Jadoon, the plea requested provision of the recording of Courtroom No. 1 proceedings at 1:00 pm on the said date, arguing that it was necessary to “remove ambiguity.” A USB was also submitted along with the application.
Later, speaking to the media, Barrister Jadoon said that during the hearing it was observed that objections to the application would be removed and the SJC’s decision awaited. However, he claimed, the subsequent written order instead barred Justice Jahangiri from exercising judicial powers.
