Two judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) stopped working on Wednesday following the expiry of their service tenure.
Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi and Justice Shaukat Aziz stopped working, raising apprehensions about smooth functioning of the judiciary, as the federal government did not issue a notification about an extension in their services despite recommendations by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan and the Parliamentary Committee.
There are now seven vacant seats of judges in the IHC following the latest retirements.
Attorney General Irfan Qadir asserted that under current circumstances, there was no possibility of issuing a notification for the extension in services of the two judges. “Even if the court issues order in this regard, it will not be acceptable,” he added.
The AG said the recommendations of the parliamentary committee were unconstitutional and no unconstitutional ruling of the court would be accepted.
He said any notification on judges’ appointment in the IHC could not be issued until the completion of the Judicial Commission (JC). The Judicial Commission has recommended six-month service extension for Justice Shaukat Aziz and Justice Noorul Haq, but the president has not issued a notification so far.
Due to the retirement of the two judges, a bench constituted to hear a petition regarding extension in the service of army chief Ashfaq Kayani also stood dissolved.
2 IHC judges retire, govt holds back extension
