Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court seeking an early hearing on his appeal against the Islamabad High Court’s order barring him from judicial work.
He has urged the apex court to intervene immediately, warning that the decision could trigger a wave of litigation.
Justice Jahangiri filed a petition requesting his appeal be scheduled for hearing this week, before September 26. He argued that the IHC’s order stopping him from judicial work was issued without giving him an opportunity to be heard.
The judge maintained that the suspension was directed without first determining the admissibility of the petition filed against him in the High Court.
In his application, Justice Jahangiri warned that if such orders remain in force, it could open the door for complaints to be used as grounds to restrain any judge from working. This, he cautioned, would create a “new flood of litigation” across the judiciary.
He stressed that the Supreme Court’s immediate intervention was necessary to prevent such incidents from becoming precedent.
IHC restrains judge over fake degree allegations
On Tuesday, a two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court, comprising Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan, restrained Justice Jahangiri from performing his judicial duties.
The court observed that he must step aside until the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) reaches a decision on the matter. Notices were also issued to the Attorney General of Pakistan to assist the bench on the admissibility of the petition.
The IHC appointed Barrister Zafarullah Khan and former Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf as judicial assistants in the case. Their role will be to provide legal insights and help the bench navigate the complex legal issues raised.
Allegations of fake law degree
The case stems from allegations that Justice Jahangiri obtained his LL.B degree under suspicious circumstances.
According to official letters from the University of Karachi, Jahangiri completed his law degree in 1991 from Government Islamia Law College, but with two separate enrollment numbers. Records show that enrollment number AIL 5968, originally assigned to another student, was also used under the names Tariq Jahangiri and Tariq Mehmood.
These discrepancies, according to university findings, cast doubt on the authenticity of his law degree.
