LAHORE: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani resigned today as a judge of the Lahore High Court (LHC). He cited personal reasons, health concerns, and growing executive control over the judiciary.
In his resignation letter addressed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Justice Kayani said recent constitutional changes had compromised the independence and institutional integrity of the high courts. He specifically criticised the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, arguing that they had increased executive influence over judicial appointments and transfers.
The judge also expressed concern about the difficulties faced by ordinary litigants, saying their interests had increasingly been neglected. He maintained that judicial office must remain independent and committed to protecting constitutional rights and human dignity.
Justice Kayani described his years of judicial service as meaningful and fulfilling, stating that he had decided to leave the bench because his conscience no longer permitted him to continue under the existing circumstances.
He also cited health concerns following a recent surgery as one of the personal factors behind his decision.
Justice Kayani previously served as a senior judge of the Islamabad High Court before being transferred to the Lahore High Court in April 2026. The transfer followed a decision by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan involving three Islamabad High Court judges.
His resignation came shortly after a judicial roster reshuffle assigned him to the LHC’s Rawalpindi bench. He had previously challenged the inter-high court transfers, which became the subject of wider legal proceedings.
Justice Kayani said he intended to return to legal practice, where he hoped to continue protecting rights and promoting legal awareness.
His departure has renewed debate about judicial independence, constitutional amendments and the relationship between the executive and the judiciary in Pakistan.
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