Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has commenced proceedings to repatriate District and Sessions Judge Abul Hasnat Mohammad Zulqarnain to the Lahore High Court (LHC) amid allegations of misconduct. This decision follows his controversial rulings in the cipher case, where he convicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, sentencing each to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment.
The recommendation for Judge Zulqarnain’s repatriation was made by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, the senior puisne judge and inspection judge for Islamabad’s Special Courts. This recommendation stems from critical observations made by a division bench of the high court concerning Judge Zulqarnain’s conduct, particularly noted during the pre-arrest bail hearing of PTI leader Aamir Masood Mughal.
During a February 6 hearing, Judge Zulqarnain had initially agreed to adjourn the hearing of Mughal, who was charged with inciting a riot and setting a police van on fire, until after the general elections held on February 8. Despite this, it was later revealed that the bail petition was dismissed for non-prosecution without a subsequent hearing. The confusion over the judicial orders and the adjournment has led to heightened scrutiny of Judge Zulqarnain’s actions.
The IHC bench has opted to exercise restraint in directly commenting on the conduct of Judge Zulqarnain, adhering to the principle and law established by the Supreme Court. However, it noted that a separate administrative note would be submitted regarding the matter.
The developments raise significant questions about the judicial processes in high-profile political cases and have intensified the focus on the judiciary’s role in Pakistan’s turbulent political landscape.
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