IHC suspends ECP's notification, reinstates Justice Jahangiri as tribunal judge

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday suspended the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) notification to change the tribunal and reinstated Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri as the judge of the Election Tribunal of Islamabad.

According to 24 News HD TV channel, Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court Justice Aamir Farooq heard the case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidates challenging the Election (Amendment) Ordinance 2024.

During the hearing, Justice Aamir Farooq issued a show cause notice to the elected Member of National Assembly (MNA) Anjum Aqeel Khan from NA 41 Islamabad of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN).

Chief Justice Aamir Farooq asked the Additional Attorney General how he would defend the ordinance. The Attorney General replied that after the Election (Amendment) Ordinance, the Bill came to Parliament.

Chief Justice Amir Farooq remarked that you should abolish the ordinance, it will be seen when the bill is passed. He asked what was hurry that the President issued the ordinance overnight, this method is wrong, otherwise abolish the Parliament. Additionally, the Chief Justice remarked that there was an ordinance factory in Wah and another ordinance factory was established by you.

Justice Farooq asked the Additional Attorney General to clarify any perceived 'bias' of the judge while stressing the seriousness of debating the impartiality of a High Court judge.

Addressing Anjum Aqeel Khan, the Chief Justice said that you have also submitted an affidavit which includes allegations of nepotism, now explain it.

In response, MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan apologized and said that he respects all the judges and admits his mistake.

Justice Farooq inquired whether the judge had shown partiality or acted unfairly in this case, on the other hand, noting that the Election Commission had acted on Aqeel's plea.

The Chief Justice questioned Aqeel's understanding of "bias", to which Aqeel replied that it was a legal language. Justice Farooq corrected him saying it was plain English and questioned whether Anjum Aqeel felt the judge was biased in not accepting his recommendation. On this, MNA Anjum Aqeel refused to make any recommendations.

The Chief Justice emphasized Aqeel's responsibilities as a parliamentarian, including legislation and economic management, and insisted on a clear answer, warning Aqeel that failure to do so could result in him being barred from attending Parliament sessions. Aqeel admitted the mistake in the choice of words.

Chief Justice Amir Farooq said you are a parliamentarian, you will make laws, you have to run the entire economy, you will go there in the House and say that I don't know about the economy? He added that you must answer otherwise will not be able to go to the parliament session, I am asking you for the last time, tell me otherwise you will harm yourself.

On this, Anjum Aqeel Khan just said there was a mistake in the choice of words. Later the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing of the case till July 9.

Reporter: Ehtisham Kiyani