In a significant development for Pakistan's judiciary, three judges were officially sworn in as permanent members of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday. The ceremony marks the formal confirmation of their appointments following a recommendation by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).
Oath Ceremony and Distinguished Attendees
The oath was administered by IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar in a formal ceremony held at the high court building. The event commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran and the playing of the national anthem. The official notification of the appointments was read aloud by the Registrar of the court.
The ceremony saw the presence of notable figures from the legal and political spheres. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar was in attendance, alongside judges from both the high court and district courts, as well as members of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA).
Constitutional Appointment and Judicial Commission Backing
The appointments were made official by the President of Pakistan, exercising powers conferred by Article 193 of the Constitution. The notification, issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice, confirms the appointment of Justice Muhammad Azam Khan, Justice Muhammad Asif, and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas as judges of the IHC, effective from the date they took their oaths.
This formal step followed a recommendation by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on January 12. During the JCP proceedings, each of the three judges secured an impressive 13 votes out of the 17-member commission. It was noted that two members from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) were absent, while Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Kayani did not vote in favor of the confirmations.
Background and Judicial Performance
The newly confirmed permanent judges bring substantial experience to the bench. Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan were initially appointed as additional judges of the IHC on January 17 of the previous year. Justice Muhammad Asif's journey began differently; he was first appointed as an additional judge of the Balochistan High Court on the same date before being transferred to the Islamabad High Court.
Their confirmation was supported by strong performance metrics. Official data presented during the JCP meeting highlighted their efficiency in case disposal. Justice Minhas led the group, having decided an impressive 2,039 cases as a single bench. Justice Khan resolved 1,841 cases, and Justice Asif disposed of 1,338 cases, demonstrating a consistent commitment to clearing the judicial backlog.
This swearing-in ceremony strengthens the bench of the Islamabad High Court, ensuring continuity and stability in the capital's superior judiciary with judges who have already proven their dedication and efficiency.
