ISLAMABAD – After nearly three years of delay, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has finally delivered its verdict in the much-awaited case concerning the repatriation of 24 judicial officers, bringing long-standing uncertainty to an end.
Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir ruled that the earlier repatriation orders issued by a now-defunct tribunal were without legal authority and jurisdiction, and thus declared them invalid.
Background of the Case
In March 2022, a controversial decision by a special tribunal had directed judicial officers serving in Islamabad to return to their parent High Courts in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The decision was challenged after questions arose about the tribunal’s impartiality and legal mandate.
Following complaints of bias and irregularities, the tribunal was dissolved and later reconstituted. However, the legal proceedings remained stuck until the IHC reserved its judgment in April 2025.
Key Takeaways from the Verdict
- The 24 officers—comprising District, Additional, and Civil Judges—can now continue in their current roles in Islamabad.
- The court emphasized that the earlier tribunal had no authority to issue repatriation orders, and failed to follow due legal process.
- The ruling restores confidence in the judicial appointment system and ensures stability in the capital’s judiciary.
Legal experts believe this verdict sets an important precedent for maintaining procedural fairness and protecting judicial independence.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.