Islamabad High Court Revises Bench Roster, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui Case Transferred
ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has announced a revised roster of benches, set to take effect from September 1, under which nine judges will preside over single benches while five division benches will also hear cases.
According to the notification, Justice Babar Sattar and Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan will not sit on single benches. Their pending single-judge cases have been reassigned to other judges. However, both will continue to serve on a division bench handling tax-related matters.
Among the significant case transfers is the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Her case has been moved from Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan’s court to Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas’s, with the first hearing scheduled for September 1. Dr. Siddiqui’s sister, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, has filed a petition seeking her release and repatriation to Pakistan.
Earlier, the IHC had issued a show-cause notice to the federal cabinet for contempt of court in connection with Dr. Aafia’s case. The notice followed the government’s failure to submit a report explaining its refusal to assist in the case before a U.S. court, despite being directed to do so in June.
During the hearing, presided over by Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, the judge voiced strong displeasure over the government’s inaction. “If the federal government’s report is not presented, I will summon the entire cabinet. Why shouldn’t contempt proceedings be initiated against all cabinet members, including the Prime Minister?” he questioned.
The court granted additional time to the government to submit the required report and warned of serious legal consequences for further delays. The hearing was attended by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui’s lawyer, Imran Shafiq, and Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez, representing the federal government.
Justice Ijaz emphasized his commitment to ensuring justice, even on holidays, and vowed that administrative powers would not undermine judicial authority. “In the past, the judges’ roster has been used to influence decisions in specific cases. I will not let justice be defeated,” he declared, affirming his determination to uphold the dignity of the high court.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.