IHC issues case schedule for newly appointed judges despite lawyers protest

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has formally commenced the judicial work of its two newly appointed judges, Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif, despite the protest from lawyer groups.

According to the IHC case schedule, Justice Dogar has been given three cases for today, while Justice Asif will take up two cases. All courtrooms are in place, and the case lists of the two judges have been put outside their respective courtrooms, starting their official duties at the High Court.

During the hearing, Deputy Attorney General Abdul Khaliq Thand and Additional Attorney General Munawar Iqbal Dogar welcomed Justice Dogar and greeted him.

The transfer of three judges from the Sindh High Court, Lahore High Court (LHC), and Balochistan High Court to the IHC has created controversy, and the Islamabad Bar Council, IHC Bar Association, and the District Bar Association are set to observe a strike today.

The lawyer groups will protest against the transfer of three judges from High Courts of other provinces to the IHC as it is suspected to divide the judiciary and has a basis in mala fide intentions. 

At a joint press conference on Sunday, the office-bearers of the three groups said they would oppose the move tooth and nail. Islamabad Bar Council Chairman Aleem Abbasi announced a convention at the District Court in G-11 at 11 AM today.

Earlier on Saturday, several IHC judges, including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, wrote a letter to the President of Pakistan and the Chief Justice of Pakistan, urging them not to bring judges from other high courts or appoint them as the IHC chief justice.