The Islamabad High Court has fixed the IHC judge degree case for hearing on September 16. A two-member bench, led by Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar, will take up the petition. Advocate Mian Dawood filed the case, challenging the appointment of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri. He claims the judge holds an invalid LLB degree from the University of Karachi. The petition seeks to remove him from office.
The case alleges serious irregularities in Justice Jahangiri’s academic record. Two different enrollment numbers were linked to his LLB exams. University officials confirmed one number belonged to another student. They also declared the degree and mark sheets invalid in official letters. The petitioner argues that such discrepancies make the judge’s entire legal career unlawful. Evidence includes correspondence from the University of Karachi and a local law college.
This IHC judge degree case has lingered since earlier this year. Former chief justice Aamer Farooq had reserved judgment on its maintainability. Now a new bench will review the substantive allegations. Legal experts say the case could test the credibility of the judiciary. The outcome may affect public trust in the court system. Allegations of a fake degree have already stirred debate among lawyers.
The petition stresses that judicial appointments require valid qualifications. It claims appointing a judge with an invalid degree violates citizens’ fundamental rights. The petitioner cited the Sajjad Ali Shah case to argue that such issues shake public confidence. He said it also tarnishes the judiciary’s image as a neutral arbiter. The petition insists that the court must act to protect its integrity.
Justice Jahangiri has been a controversial figure in recent months. He opposed the transfer of Justice Dogar to the Islamabad High Court. He also joined other judges in alleging interference by intelligence agencies. Just before the degree controversy, he was hearing election petitions in Islamabad. Now the IHC judge degree case has placed his career and reputation under scrutiny.