Law & Justice

Former Islamabad High Court Judge Resigns Amid Concerns Over Judicial Independence

By editorial

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, a former puisne judge of the Islamabad High Court, has resigned to return to legal practice, citing personal reasons. In a letter to the President of the Republic, he stated that “reasons of conscience” prompted his decision. His resignation followed an abrupt transfer to the Lahore High Court, where he lost seniority and was placed 12th on the seniority list. Justice Kayani, who has decided over 23,000 cases and was due to superannuate in 2032, has long been known for voicing independent views and often finding himself at odds with authorities. He also expressed grievances against the hastily passed 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, arguing that they have compromised the independence and institutional integrity of the high courts. He warned that the amendments have increased executive influence over judicial processes and allowed Parliament and the executive to participate in the appointment and transfer of judges, a move he views as unacceptable and contrary to judicial transparency. Kayani said these developments have eroded public confidence in judicial independence and the fairness of the judicial process. He urged government and stakeholders to reflect on these observations and ensure that state organs continue to function independently while preserving judicial transparency.