PHC judge leaves official accommodation following State Office decision as earlier controversy over transfer of IHC judges remains in focus
ISLAMABAD: Peshawar High Court Justice Babar Sattar has vacated his government residence in Islamabad after authorities cancelled its allotment last month, 24NewsHD TV reported Thursday, citing sources.
According to the report, the State Office cancelled the residence’s allotment on July 3, 2026. Subsequently, the Islamabad High Court registrar’s office issued a notice directing Justice Sattar to vacate the property within 30 days.
Sources said Justice Sattar had not obtained official accommodation in Peshawar following his transfer and initially decided to retain the Islamabad residence.
However, he vacated the government house two days ago after returning from judicial holidays.
Residence Issue Follows Transfer Developments
The development follows months of discussion surrounding the possible transfer of Islamabad High Court judges.
On April 28, Justice Sattar reportedly wrote to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, who also heads the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, seeking an opportunity to present his position personally before the commission considered transfers.
According to sources, Justice Sattar requested a hearing before any discussion concerning transfers under Article 200 of the Constitution.
The commission was expected to consider several IHC judges for transfer, including Justice Sattar, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro.
Judicial Commission Meeting Drew Attention
Meanwhile, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar had called the Judicial Commission meeting following a requisition submitted by five commission members.
However, Chief Justice Afridi had opposed convening the meeting, according to reports at the time.
The controversy brought renewed attention to constitutional provisions governing judicial transfers and the procedures used when considering changes involving superior court judges.
Justice Sattar’s departure from the Islamabad government residence now marks another development following his transfer to the Peshawar High Court and the subsequent cancellation of his accommodation allotment.
