Latest news with #IslamabadHighCourt
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IHC issues contempt notices to PM Shehbaz, cabinet in Dr. Aafia case
Listen to article Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued contempt of court notices to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of his federal cabinet over non-compliance in the case concerning efforts for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. The court directed the federal government to submit a response within two weeks. A written order, authored by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, noted a pattern of repeated executive defiance and interference in judicial functions. "Despite the court order, the federal government failed to submit reasons before the court," the IHC said. "The court has no option left but to issue a contempt of court notice to the federal government." Justice Ejaz remarked that the judiciary had been under persistent attack. 'We have witnessed one attack after another on the pillars of justice. These attacks have repeatedly wounded the justice system and brought it to the verge of collapse.' He further stated, 'today, yet another example of assault on the judiciary has come to light.' Referring to administrative interference in the court's functioning, Justice Ejaz observed, 'justice delivery by one high court judge was being controlled through a weekly roster under the office of the Chief Justice.' 'This situation is both horrifying and absurd at the same time,' he said. 'It is a contradiction that has now become the hallmark of this high court.' Justice Ejaz also recalled that since the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a so-called 'demolition squad' had been effectively brought into the high court. 'The executive's tricks became evident elsewhere,' he said, adding that court proceedings were being restricted through the roster mechanism. He pointed out that judges wishing to hear cases during judicial vacations were denied permission by the court's administration. 'If a judge wishes to hold court during vacations to deliver justice, the high court administration will not permit it,' he said. The judge added that the government had been given ample opportunity to comply. 'The court had given the government an opportunity to present its report,' Justice Ejaz said. The Assistant Attorney General was warned earlier that contempt proceedings would be initiated if the report was not filed. Rather than submit the report, the government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the order to submit an amended application, the court noted. 'For whatever reason, the Supreme Court did not hear the government's case,' Justice Ejaz remarked.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IHC upholds QAU's autonomy
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday dismissed a petition filed by students challenging Quaid-i-Azam University's decision to cancel the summer session and vacate hostels, declaring the petition non-maintainable. In the written order issued by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, the court stated that under the Quaid-i-Azam University Act, 1973, the university is a legally empowered and autonomous institution. The decision in question was made by the university's Syndicate through a resolution, and universities, as autonomous bodies, have the authority to formulate their own disciplinary, administrative, and academic policies. The court held that matters related to the summer session and hostel accommodation fall within the internal administrative domain of the university and are thus part of its autonomous functioning. The petitioners failed to demonstrate any violation of a fundamental right or legal provision that would justify the court's intervention under Article 199 of the Constitution. The QAU's Registrar clarified that the directives were issued in compliance with decisions taken at a Syndicate meeting. The court observed that the matter pertains to a dispute between the university administration and certain students and is entirely related to internal governance and administrative affairs.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CJ IHC forms new administration body
ISLAMABAD: The Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC), Friday, constituted a new administration committee of the high court. According to a notification issued by the registrar of the IHC, Chief Justice of IHC Justice Sardar Sarfraz Ahmed Dogar will be chairman of the committee. The notification stated that in super session of this court's notification dated 3 February, the IHC Chief Justice has been pleased to re-constitute the Administration Committee of this court. It added that the other members of the committee included Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IHC refuses stay on Afghan repatriation
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday rejected a request seeking a stay order against the repatriation of registered Afghan refugees and remarked that the court will not interfere with the government policy. Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas heard the case. Umar Ijaz Gilani appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner and requested the court to direct the government to refrain from taking action until the case is decided. Justice Minhas remarked that Afghans have to return home by June 30 as per the government's policy, adding the court will not interfere in the government's policy. Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the case.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Blasphemy probe
Listen to article Few issues in Pakistan are as sensitive as allegations of blasphemy — where a single accusation can carry irreversible consequences. It is in this context that the Islamabad High Court's directive to form a commission to investigate the recent spike in online blasphemy cases must be viewed with seriousness. Since 2022, dozens of young men have reportedly been arrested for alleged blasphemy, often tied to messages shared in WhatsApp groups. Families have raised alarm over how these arrests are taking place, prompting the court to take notice. Rights groups and police sources have also pointed to the involvement of private law firms and online volunteers who actively search for content deemed offensive, raising concerns about how such cases are being detected and pursued. In light of this, the proposed committee has been mandated to complete its findings in four months. It goes without question that this probe must be carried out carefully — scrutinising not just the content in question, but also the process through which it is flagged, reported and acted upon. If there is in fact an organised effort behind these arrests, it must be brought to light through proper legal means, not speculation. What is needed now is a clear, rules-based framework that ensures any digital content flagged for such charges is handled through proper channels, with safeguards to prevent misuse. The commission's mandate must focus on ensuring that constitutional rights are upheld and that investigations are grounded in due process. Simultaneously, the investigation must avoid contributing to an environment of fear or suppression, and instead help reaffirm confidence in the rule of law. This is not a matter to be approached with haste. The proposed commission's work must be deliberate, impartial and, above all, respectful of the sensitivities involved.
