Islamabad – Pakistan (HRNW)– The Islamabad High Court has issued a landmark written judgment in the degree verification case of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri. The decision, authored by Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan, spans three pages and addresses the irregularities in his educational credentials.
The court found that Tariq Jahangiri failed to provide valid responses or produce verifiable educational documents despite multiple opportunities. No reasonable justification was presented by him.
Key findings of the judgment include:
- Eligibility for a High Court judge is personal and non-transferable, and holding the qualifications prescribed in the Constitution is mandatory.
- At the time of his appointment as Additional Judge in Islamabad High Court, Jahangiri did not possess a valid and recognized LLB degree.
- Similarly, at the time of his confirmation as a permanent judge, he still lacked the required credentials.
- Since he was not eligible to practice law, he could not lawfully hold the position of High Court judge under Article 175-A.
- His appointment and subsequent promotion were deemed illegal and beyond lawful authority.
As a result, the court immediately removed Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri from his position as High Court judge and directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to de-notify him without delay. A copy of the judgment was ordered to be sent to the Ministry immediately.
Additionally, the court disposed of all pending miscellaneous petitions related to the matter.
This ruling reinforces the principle that constitutional qualifications for judicial office are non-negotiable, ensuring accountability and integrity within Pakistan’s judiciary.
