ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A high-level meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, chaired by Justice Yahya Afridi, has approved the transfer of three high court judges in a significant reshuffle across the country’s judiciary.
The decisions were taken after detailed deliberations, with most approvals secured through majority votes. The meeting focused primarily on judicial postings and transfers, particularly in relation to the Lahore High Court.
Among the key developments, the commission approved the transfer of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani to the Lahore High Court. The decision was backed by a clear majority, with nine members voting in favour of the move.
In a similar development, Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz has been transferred to the Sindh High Court. This decision was also finalised through a majority vote, reflecting consensus among commission members on judicial redistribution across provinces.
Meanwhile, the transfer of Justice Babar Sattar to the Peshawar High Court has been approved, though not without opposition. According to sources, three members voted against the move.
Legal concerns
Prior to the meeting, Justice Babar Sattar had written a letter to the Chief Justice, citing constitutional provisions under Article 200 of the Constitution of Pakistan. In his communication, he argued that a judge should be granted a personal hearing before any transfer decision is made. He requested the commission to allow him an opportunity to present his position before finalising the matter.
The issue highlights ongoing debates around procedural transparency and judicial independence in transfer decisions, particularly when they involve inter-provincial postings.
Deferred cases
In a separate development, the commission decided to defer the transfers of two judges after a recommendation was withdrawn. Justice Sarfraz Dogar retracted his earlier proposal concerning the transfers of Justice Arbab Tahir and Justice Khadim Soomro. As a result, the matter has been postponed and will be taken up at a later stage.