ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri from performing any judicial work until the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) resolves allegations regarding his law degree.
A two‑member bench led by Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar, sitting with Justice Mohammad Azam Khan, issued the order on Tuesday on a petition filed by advocate Mian Daud against Justice Jahangiri..
In addition to suspending his judicial functions, the bench appointed two senior lawyers — Barrister Zafarullah Khan and former Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf — as amici curiae to assist in considering the validity and maintainability of the case.
The IHC also issued a notice to the Attorney General of Pakistan, seeking his input on whether the petition challenging Justice Jahangiri’s academic qualifications is admissible.
Taking exception to the order, the Islamabad Bar Council announced a strike on Wednesday (today) at both the IHC and the district court. It said a general body meeting would decide the future course of action and a rally would also be held.
Meanwhile, a revised duty roster was released by the court, in which Justice Jahangiri is not included in any bench assignments, including both single‑ and division‑bench hearings.
On August 31, 2024, the Karachi University’s Syndicate annulled the allegedly “invalid” degree of Justice Jahangiri on the recommendations of the university’s Unfair Means (UFM) Committee.
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The statement issued by the university after the meeting did not mention the name of Justice Jahangiri but noted that the committee had proposed the cancellation of “the degree and enrollment cards of candidates found guilty of unethical and immoral acts.”
The decision came just hours after the detention of Syndicate member Dr Riaz Ahmed, who was reportedly picked up by police in an apparent attempt to prevent him from attending the key meeting.
However, the Sindh High Court on September 5, 2024 suspended Karachi University’s decision.
A division bench, comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito, also barred the university from taking any further action on a complaint against Justice Jahangiri while hearing a petition filed by the judge.
Legal sources say Justice Jahangiri plans to challenge the IHC’s decision before the Supreme Court after receiving the written order.
