Islamabad: As the Judicial Commission of Pakistan prepares to deliberate on December 21 over the nominations for vacant posts in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), public opinion has raised concerns about political influence overshadowing merit in the selection process.
The nominations have sparked debates about the impartiality of the judicial appointments. Critics allege that the suggestions reflect favoritism and political motivations rather than a focus on qualifications and experience. Among the nominees are District and Sessions Judges Azam Khan and Shah Arjumand Khan, proposed by Chief Justice Aamir Farooq, and Advocate Kashif Ali Malik, nominated by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. Additionally, Zulfiqar Ali Abbasi, proposed by Advocate Qamar Hussain Sabzwari, and Sultan Mazhar Sher Khan, recommended by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, have faced scrutiny.
Further raising eyebrows are the multiple nominations, including Qamar Sabzwari, Umar Aslam Khan, Daniyal Ejaz, and Kashif Ali, suggested by Farooq H. Naik, leading to speculations of political alignment influencing the process. Civil society and legal experts have expressed the need for greater transparency to ensure that merit and judicial independence remain the cornerstone of such appointments.
The outcome of the Judicial Commission’s meeting will likely shape public trust in the judiciary, as calls for accountability and fairness grow louder.
