ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will soon hear a petition challenging the appointment of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri. Advocate Mian Dawood filed the petition under Article 199 of the Constitution. He questioned the validity of Justice Jahangiri’s LLB degree from the University of Karachi.
Bench Assigned for September 16 Hearing
A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar and comprising Justice Mohammad Azam Khan, will hear the matter. The hearing is scheduled for September 16. Previously, former IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq had reserved judgment on the petition’s maintainability. Consequently, the new bench will now address both maintainability and allegations.
Allegations Surrounding Law Degree
The petition alleges that Justice Jahangiri’s degree is “invalid.” It cites official correspondence from the University of Karachi as evidence. The petitioner also claimed dual enrollment numbers appeared on Jahangiri’s records. According to university rules, issuing two enrollment numbers for one programme is impossible.
The petition highlights that enrollment number AIL-5968/87, appearing on Jahangiri’s Part-I mark sheet, belongs to another student. Official records show the number was assigned to Imtiaz Ahmad, son of Muhammad Ellahi.
Furthermore, a letter from the principal of Government Islamia Law College, Karachi, stated that no student named Tariq Mehmood under enrollment AIL-7124/87 was admitted during the relevant period. Additionally, the Controller of Examinations confirmed in writing that the documents in question were “invalid.”
Petition Cites Fundamental Rights and Judicial Integrity
The petitioner argues that appointing a judge without a valid degree undermines citizens’ fundamental rights. He emphasized that such an appointment erodes public trust in the judiciary. Referring to earlier cases, he claimed the issue “shakes public confidence” and “tarnishes the judiciary’s image.”
Context of Justice Jahangiri’s Career
Justice Jahangiri is one of five judges who earlier opposed the transfer of Justice Dogar and two colleagues. Last year, he co-authored a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council, alleging interference by intelligence agencies in judicial matters. Moreover, he was hearing high-profile election petitions in Islamabad shortly before the degree controversy surfaced.
