SC suspends IHC order barring Justice Jahangiri from judicial work

A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) suspended the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) order that had barred Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri from performing judicial functions, allowing him to continue work until the case is decided by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, during the hearing on Monday, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel observed that while a case regarding an alleged fake degree may proceed, “no judge can be restrained from judicial work under an interim order.”

The apex court also noted that the SJC has already summoned a meeting on October 18 to deliberate on the matter of Justice Jahangiri’s alleged degree irregularities.

The SC constitutional bench also issued notices to all parties on the request of Justice Jahangiri, and the further hearing was adjourned until Tuesday (September 30, 2025).

The development came after the IHC’s controversial order on September 16, signed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan, which directed Justice Jahangiri to refrain from judicial work until the SJC reached a conclusion. The order stressed that the complaint raised “sensitive questions” regarding the judge’s eligibility.

On September 19, Justice Jahangiri challenged the IHC ruling in the SC, calling it a violation of his fundamental rights under Article 10-A and arguing that it undermined judicial independence and damaged his reputation. He further requested suspension of the IHC decision and a halt to proceedings until the apex court’s verdict.

The case was formally referred to the constitutional bench on September 25, comprising Justices Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Mandokhel, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Shahid Bilal, and Hassan Azhar Rizvi, which took up the matter today on September 29.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori