A petition filed Wednesday demands the release of audio and video recordings of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) proceedings that resulted in Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri’s suspension. Barrister Jahangir Jadoon submitted the request to the IHC Registrar, asking for the recording of Court No. 1’s session from September 16 at 1 p.m. He cited discrepancies between initial media reports, which quoted the Chief Justice saying no order was being issued, and the subsequent suspension of Justice Jahangiri. A USB drive accompanied the application.
The plea follows the IHC’s decision in a contentious alleged fake degree case, which prohibited Justice Jahangiri from judicial activities until the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) resolves the issue. A two-page written order, signed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan, explains the suspension, citing sensitive matters regarding the eligibility of a sitting judge. The document confirms that Justice Jahangiri’s suspension will continue until the SJC’s ruling.
The court scheduled the next hearing for October 21, instructing court assistants to present their arguments. Following the directive, the IHC released a revised roster of judges, excluding Justice Jahangiri. Justice Saman Rafat now holds the position of the High Court’s third most senior judge.