The Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench hearing the case concerning Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri’s academic degree was dissolved on Tuesday. The dissolution followed Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro’s decision to recuse himself from the two-member bench.
The bench, which also included Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar, had been scheduled to hear the case earlier in the day. However, the proceedings could not continue after Justice Soomro formally stepped aside, resulting in the bench’s automatic dissolution.
Case Proceedings Postponed Following Recusal
The hearing was expected to address key legal questions regarding Justice Tariq Jahangiri’s degree credentials. Yet, with the withdrawal of Justice Soomro, the court session was adjourned without any progress.
Court officials confirmed that a new bench would be formed before proceedings could resume. No date has yet been announced for the reconstitution of the bench or the next hearing.
The recusal halted what was anticipated to be a significant session, as it was the first formal hearing since concerns about Justice Jahangiri’s academic record surfaced.
Islamabad Bar Association’s Application Deferred
The court was also scheduled to consider a miscellaneous application filed by the Islamabad Bar Association. The association had sought permission to become a party to the case, arguing that the matter carried implications for judicial integrity and the broader legal community.
However, due to the dissolution of the bench, the application was deferred along with the main case. It will now be taken up once a new bench is constituted.
Background of the Case
Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri’s degree controversy has drawn considerable attention within legal and judicial circles. The case centers on questions regarding the validity of his academic qualifications, prompting scrutiny and public debate over judicial transparency.
The Islamabad High Court had constituted the two-member bench to address the matter impartially and ensure procedural fairness. Justice Soomro’s recusal has temporarily suspended that process, delaying further review until a new bench is appointed.
Next Steps in the Proceedings
Legal experts expect the IHC to announce a reconstituted bench in the coming days. Once the bench is formed, it will decide whether to proceed directly with the pending degree case or first hear the Islamabad Bar Association’s application for inclusion.
For now, both the main case and the miscellaneous application remain in abeyance. The development has added another layer of delay to a case already under close public and institutional scrutiny.
Observers believe the court’s next move will be crucial in determining how the matter proceeds, particularly given the sensitivity surrounding judicial credentials and accountability.
