Cases of IHC's Justice Ejaz Ishaq, Justice Sattar handed to other judges

The cases under hearing by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) have been reassigned to other benches following his issuance of contempt notices to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and his federal cabinet.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, among the high-profile matters affected, the Aafia Siddiqui case has been transferred from Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan’s court to Justice Inam Amin Minhas.

According to the new duty roster approved by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, the single-member benches of both Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan and Justice Babar Sattar have been dissolved.

As per the new duty roster, the two judges will instead sit on a special division bench for tax-related cases.

The updated schedule confirms that from next week, the IHC will operate with nine single-member benches and five division benches.

It is pertinent to mention here that on July 21, Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan had expressed outrage at the government’s failure to submit a report in the Dr Afia Siddiqui case, bluntly declaring, “I will not let justice be defeated. To uphold the dignity of the Court, I will exercise my judicial powers.”

He then issued contempt notices to the prime minister and all cabinet members, directing them to respond by September 1.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan heard the case and expressed strong disapproval at the non-submission of the report. He declared that the next hearing would be held on the first working day after the court’s summer recess.

During the proceedings, Justice Ishaq remarked that administrative powers were once again being used to obstruct judicial authority.

He firmly stated, "I will not let justice be defeated. To uphold the dignity of the Court, I will exercise my judicial powers."

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan also noted that the government had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against his earlier decision.

He clarified that the roster of IHC judges is managed by the Chief Justice’s Office and that he had been informed on Thursday that no cause list would be issued unless alterations were made to it.

Justice Ishaq revealed that he had originally planned to begin his vacation on July 21 but revoked his leave today due to the urgency and sensitivity of the Aafia Siddiqui case.

He informed the Chief Justice’s Office of his decision to hear this case alongside others today. He further stated that he had instructed his personal secretary to request the Chief Justice for changes in the cause list, emphasising that judge rosters have previously been adjusted for specific cases.

Reporter: Ehtesham Kiyani