Islamabad – Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri has approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan, requesting an expedited hearing of his appeal against the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) decision to bar him from exercising judicial functions.
The request for an urgent hearing was filed on Tuesday, with the judge urging the apex court to take up the matter before September 26. Justice Jahangiri contended that the IHC order was issued without granting him an opportunity to present his defense. He criticized the directive as premature, claiming that it was passed without determining whether the petition filed against him was even admissible.
In his plea, Justice Jahangiri expressed concern that the IHC’s move, if left unchallenged, could set a harmful precedent, enabling litigants to misuse complaints as a means to suspend judges from their duties without due process. He warned such a development could trigger a “flood of litigation,” potentially destabilizing the judicial system.
The Supreme Court’s swift intervention, he argued, was essential to prevent a breakdown in judicial norms and safeguard the independence of the judiciary.
IHC Bars Judge Amid Fake Degree Claims
Earlier the same day, a two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court—comprising Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan—ordered Justice Jahangiri to cease judicial duties until the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) concludes its inquiry into allegations about his academic qualifications.
The bench also issued notices to the Attorney General of Pakistan, requesting legal input on whether the petition against the judge was maintainable. To assist in the matter, the court appointed Barrister Zafarullah Khan and former Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf as amici curiae (judicial assistants), asking them to provide expert legal guidance on the case.
Suspected Irregularities in Law Degree
The controversy revolves around suspicions surrounding Justice Jahangiri’s LL.B. degree.
According to correspondence from the University of Karachi, Jahangiri reportedly obtained his law degree in 1991 through Government Islamia Law College—but under two different enrollment numbers.
University records indicate that enrollment number AIL 5968, originally assigned to a different student, was also used under the names “Tariq Jahangiri” and “Tariq Mehmood.” The conflicting details have cast serious doubts on the legitimacy of the judge’s qualifications, prompting calls for a formal investigation by the SJC.
As the legal drama unfolds, all eyes now turn to the Supreme Court to see whether it will agree to fast-track the case and issue a stay against the IHC’s restraining order.
