ISLAMABAD: A visible divide among lawyers in the federal capital led to only a partial strike on Friday following the removal of Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri. While the Islamabad District Bar Association (DBA) called for a protest, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) chose not to support the strike.
Read More: Lawyers burn copies as SJC hears reference against SC, SHC
Justice Jahangiri was removed through a short order issued by an IHC division bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar. The bench ruled that his elevation to the high court was without lawful authority and declared that he had ceased to hold office with immediate effect.
The order was announced in the afternoon, though sources said the judge had already left his chamber earlier. Court officials said he met staff members before leaving, telling them they would meet again if God so willed.
President has approved the de-notification of Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri as Judge, Islamabad High Court, on the advice of the Prime Minister, in compliance with the IHC verdict and in accordance with the Constitution and law.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 18, 2025
Following the verdict, the DBA announced a strike to protest the decision. However, the IHCBA downplayed the ruling, with its office-bearers saying the judgement was similar to routine decisions and did not justify a boycott of court proceedings.
Due to this division, the strike had limited impact across Islamabad’s courts. Routine attendance was reported at the Supreme Court, the Federal Constitutional Court and the IHC, while fewer than 10 per cent of lawyers abstained from sessions court proceedings.
The IHC administration subsequently issued a duty roster excluding Justice Jahangiri. Cases previously fixed before his bench were cancelled, and his name was removed from the court’s official website.
Later on Thursday night, the Presidency confirmed that President Asif Ali Zardari had approved Justice Jahangiri’s de-notification on the advice of the prime minister. The decision followed the IHC’s direction to the law ministry to de-notify the judge.
Read More: Imran, Bushra face witness questioning in Toshakhana II
The controversy stemmed from allegations regarding the judge’s law degree from the University of Karachi. While his counsel argued that removal could only occur through the Supreme Judicial Council, the bench held that questions of eligibility fell outside that process and said adequate opportunity had been provided to respond.