ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has welcomed three newly appointed judges, increasing its total strength to 10. Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar administered their oath during a ceremony on Tuesday.
The new judges are Justice Ayyaz Shaukat, Justice Umair Majeed Malik and Justice Shahrukh Arjumand. Their appointments bring diverse legal and judicial experience to the high court.
However, three positions on the IHC bench remain vacant. These seats are expected to be filled through transfers following a decision by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).
Justice Ayyaz Shaukat Brings Tax and Commercial Law Expertise
Justice Ayyaz Shaukat has extensive experience in tax, banking and commercial matters. His legal career also includes constitutional, corporate and commercial litigation.
He previously represented clients before superior courts in complex legal disputes. His experience covers several areas of public and commercial law.
Before joining the high court, he served as the advocate general of Islamabad. Earlier this year, he also took charge as chairman of the Pakistan Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority in March.
His background in public law and commercial litigation could prove valuable for the IHC. The court regularly handles constitutional, civil and commercial matters involving complex legal questions.
Justice Umair Majeed Malik Has Extensive Legal Experience
Justice Umair Majeed Malik is a prominent lawyer with expertise in legislative drafting and specialised areas of law. He also has experience working with government institutions and private-sector industries.
Between 2002 and 2005, he served as a legal consultant with the National Accountability Bureau. His professional career later expanded into the oil and gas sector.
During that period, he dealt with petroleum laws, regulatory frameworks and government policies. His work also covered petroleum rules, gas sale agreements and employment and labour laws.
He has additionally handled procurement contracts and provided legal advice to businesses. His experience includes advising the construction sector on applicable laws, regulations, rules and bylaws.
Justice Malik has also drafted and reviewed various construction contracts. His broad legal background brings experience from multiple regulatory and commercial fields to the IHC bench.
Justice Shahrukh Arjumand Makes History for Upper Dir
Justice Shahrukh Arjumand’s appointment carries particular significance for Upper Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He is the first judge from the remote district to reach any high court.
He completed his LLB degree at the University of Peshawar. He then entered the judiciary as a civil judge in 2003.
His judicial career progressed steadily over the years. He was promoted to the position of sessions judge in 2017.
His elevation represents a significant development for Upper Dir’s legal community. The district has historically had limited representation within the superior judiciary.
His appointment could therefore provide greater recognition to legal professionals from remote areas. It also highlights the diverse backgrounds now represented within the IHC.
IHC Bench Strength Increases With New Appointments
The induction of the three judges has raised the Islamabad High Court’s strength to 10. However, three seats remain vacant and could soon be filled through transfers.
The appointments bring together experience in constitutional law, commercial disputes, regulatory matters and judicial administration. This diverse expertise could strengthen the court’s ability to handle its broad caseload.
Meanwhile, the expected filling of the remaining vacancies could further increase the court’s capacity. For now, the three new judges begin their roles with backgrounds spanning litigation, public law, corporate matters and the district judiciary.
Their appointments also represent important milestones for the legal community. Justice Shahrukh Arjumand’s elevation, in particular, marks a notable step for Upper Dir’s representation in the superior judiciary.
