ISLAMABAD: Former Islamabad High Court Judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui announced his resignation from the chairmanship of the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC), stating he stepped down immediately upon learning the position was offered as a form of compensation.
He clarified his decision during a farewell event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association’s vice president.Siddiqui explained that Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar approached him in November 2024 to take on the NIRC role, and he officially assumed office on December 4, 2024, amid rising efforts to shut down the institution.
He highlighted that at the time, the NIRC was burdened with 5,380 unresolved cases. By the end of December 2025, he reported that 5,261 cases had been resolved, despite 5,522 new cases being filed during that period—an indication, he said, of increasing public confidence in the body.
Regarding his abrupt departure, Siddiqui shared that he makes decisions based on his conscience rather than logic, and noted that public speeches had often led to personal costs. “I do not chase titles,” he stated, emphasizing that he saw the NIRC appointment as a challenge, not a reward.
He emphasized that he had no desire for favors and resigned as soon as the role was described as a form of compensation. Siddiqui also expressed faith that Allah, the ultimate judge, would weigh the allegations and impact on his career.
Addressing journalist and YouTuber Matiullah Jan, who was present, Siddiqui said the time had come for them to meet face-to-face so he could clarify who he called an “establishment tout” and explain his perspective directly.
