In a significant shift within the Islamabad High Court, senior judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has seen a notable reduction in his administrative powers following recent amendments to the court’s regulations. These changes came into effect after the transfer of three judges from various high courts to the Islamabad High Court and the subsequent reconstitution of its administrative committee.
Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar has been appointed as the acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, prompting restructuring within the court’s administrative framework. This move has sparked objections from senior judges who argue that it undermines judicial seniority and the legal process.
Previously, the administrative committee of the Islamabad High Court consisted of the Chief Justice, the senior judge, and one other senior judge. The new structure now includes Chief Justice Dogar and two members nominated by him, significantly altering the court’s decision-making dynamics. Under the amended rules, the Chief Justice has acquired the authority to nominate members to the committee. According to Section 237 of the regulations, “the administrative committee, headed by the Chief Justice, will generally comprise three judges. However, the Chief Justice may include additional members if deemed appropriate.”
Before these changes, the senior judge automatically held the position of administrative judge, granting substantial influence over court affairs. The new regulations, however, allow the Chief Justice to assign administrative duties, effectively curtailing Justice Kayani’s role. Justice Kayani, who assumed the position of senior judge on November 11, 2022, was considered one of the most influential judges in the Islamabad High Court. He held extensive administrative powers as a member of the administrative committee, the developmental committee, and as the inspection judge for the lower judiciary. Following the latest amendments, he has been removed from these positions, rendering his role largely ceremonial. Additionally, he has been excluded from the developmental committee, diminishing his judicial influence.
These changes have sparked controversy within the Islamabad High Court, with Justice Babar Sattar leading the opposition against them. Justice Sattar and four other judges have expressed serious concerns over the exclusion of senior judges from key administrative committees. Justice Sattar formally addressed a letter to the acting Chief Justice, voicing reservations about the new seniority list issued on February 3, 2025, and questioning the legitimacy of Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro’s inclusion in the administrative committee. Justice Soomro, who was transferred from the Sindh High Court, ranks ninth on the Islamabad High Court’s seniority list. Justice Sattar argued that, under high court rules, only the two most senior judges should be included in the administrative committee, and the Chief Justice should not be allowed to disregard this mandate.
