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FIVE IHC JUDGES MOVE SUPREME COURT AGAINST CJ’S ‘ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS’
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Saturday, 20 September, 2025 | 26 Rabiul Awal, 1447
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JUDGES URGE SC TO STRIKE DOWN ‘DOCTRINE OF MASTER OF ROSTER,’ CHALLENGING BENCH FORMATION AND CASE TRANSFERS
PETITIONS, FILED UNDER ARTICLE 184(3) OF CONSTITUTION, NAME IHC, ITS CJ, AND THE FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN AS RESPONDENTS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 73 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
JUDGES ALLEGE MISUSE OF ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS TO SIDELINE ‘DISSENTING VOICES,’ ASKING TO RESTORE COLLECTIVE JUDICIAL AUTONOMY UNDER CONSTITUTION DEVELOPMENT UNDERSCORES WIDENING FISSURES WITHIN IHC, VISIBLE SINCE JUSTICE DOGAR’S TRANSFER AND APPOINTMENT AS CJ
Imaan, Panjotha among 150-200 lawyers booked under 7ATA following protest at IHC ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
N a rare move, five judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) — Justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Babar Sattar, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Saman Rafat Imtiaz and Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan — on Friday submitted separate but identical petitions in the Supreme Court (SC), challenging the sweeping administrative powers of the IHC chief justice. The petitions, filed under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, named the
IHC, its Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, and the Federation of Pakistan as respondents. Article 184(3) empowers the SC to assume jurisdiction in matters of “public importance” linked to the enforcement of fundamental rights. Petitions Target ‘Master of the Roster’ The judges urged the apex court to declare that administrative powers cannot be “deployed to undermine or trump judicial powers.” They argued that once a bench is assigned a case, the chief justice has no authority to reconstitute benches, transfer cases, or exclude
Several countries eyeing defence pacts with Pakistan after Saudi deal: Dar LONDON/ISLAMABAD staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that several countries have shown interest in pursuing strategic defence agreements with Pakistan, following its landmark security pact with Saudi Arabia. “It is premature to say something, but after this development, other countries have also expressed a desire for similar arrangements,” Dar told journalists in London. “But such things follow a due process. Even with Saudi Arabia, it took several months to finalize.” His remarks came two days after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which any aggression against one country will be treated as aggression against both. The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh on September 17, where he was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations “to enhance their security and achieve peace in the region and the world,” while also aiming to expand defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence. Experts have described the pact as a “historic and unprecedented development,” which came just days after Israel carried out a strike in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders in Doha—an action that drew sharp criticism from Muslim countries and world leaders alike. Dar termed the agreement with Saudi Arabia a “historic milestone,” noting that while Pakistan had always maintained informal commitments regarding the Kingdom’s security—particularly the protection of Haramain Sharifain—this understanding had now been formalised.
Police in the federal capital on Friday registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and other sections against human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari, lawyer Naeem Panjotha, and 150–200 other lawyers following a violent protest outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The case was lodged at the Secretariat Police Station on a complaint filed by IHC Bar President Syed Wajid Gilani. According to the First Information Report (FIR), 150–200 lawyers were named in the case for raising slogans against the Chief Justice of the IHC and the Pakistan Army. “I was grabbed, repeatedly hit on the
judges from the roster at will. The petitions stressed that such powers must rest with the high court collectively under Article 202 (rules of procedure) read with Article 192(1) (constitution of high courts). They ex-
shoulders, and beaten severely,” Gilani stated in the FIR, adding that the attackers were all dressed in lawyers’ uniforms. The report also alleged that Intizar Panjotha and Naeem Panjotha were armed with knives and daggers during the incident. The confrontation erupted earlier in the day when a lawyers’ protest at the IHC spiraled into chaos after heated exchanges between senior lawyer Intizar Hussain Panjotha and IHC Bar Association President Wajid Gilani. The dispute began when participants were urged to refrain from sloganeering, nearly escalating into a physical clash. Later, at a press conference, Gilani strongly condemned the incident, saying while he might have forgiven a personal attack, the assault targeted both the Bar president and secretary, making legal action inevitable.
plicitly sought a declaration that the controversial “Doctrine of the Master of the Roster” — which vests such powers in the chief justice — had already been set aside by past SC rulings.
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PTI, JUI-F hail Pakistan-Saudi strategic defence pact ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) welcomed the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2025 in Riyadh. The agreement was described by party officials as a reaffirmation of the longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between the two brotherly nations. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram shared a statement via social media, retweeted by the party’s official account, emphasizing that the SMDA “strengthens the historic depth of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, rooted in Islamic brotherhood, shared strategic interests, and longstanding mutual support.” The statement added that enhancing defence and security collaboration carries potential to contribute positively to both bilateral and regional stability. PTI highlighted that its founding chairman, Imran Khan, had envisioned Pakistan as a nation that unites the Muslim world, builds cooperation among nations, and advances peace. The party further noted that Pakistan’s partnership with Saudi Arabia is vital for safeguarding the
Pak-Saudi strategic defence pact ‘not against any third country’: FO ISLAMABAD
staff report
Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday clarified that the recently signed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) is not directed against any third country. Speaking during the weekly press briefing, Ambassador Shafqat referred to the agreement signed during Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s state visit to Riyadh on 17 September 2025. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Saudi Crown Prince formalized the pact, which stipulates that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” Ambassador Shafqat explained that the SMDA is rooted in the “deep bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, shared strategic interests, and a history of close defence cooperation” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that the agreement aims to enhance security and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond. “The purpose of the agreement is to develop the scope of defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against any potential aggression,” he said. Addressing questions from media representatives, the spokesperson reiterated that the SMDA is purely defensive in nature. He underlined that it is not targeted against any third country and is intended to safeguard the strategic partnership between the two nations while ensuring regional stability. Ambassador Shafqat further noted that during the state visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Saudi Crown Prince reviewed the historic bilateral relationship and exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest, underscoring the continuity of strategic collaboration. The spokesperson highlighted that the agreement complements the broader efforts of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to deepen defence, security, and strategic cooperation, while fostering peace and stability across the region.
Pakistan extends airspace ban for India until October 23 ISLAMABAD
staff report
sanctity of Harmain-ul-Sharifain, which it described as central to Pakistan’s belief system. The PTI also urged authorities to share full details of the SMDA with the nation, ensuring transparency and public awareness. The party reaffirmed its commitment to the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and praised the kingdom’s ongoing support for the people of Pakistan. “We believe that enhanced cooperation between the two brotherly countries will foster peace, stability, and prosperity not only for our two nations, but also for the wider region and the world,” the statement concluded. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the defence
agreement as a first step toward forming an Islamic bloc. Addressing a large public gathering at the conclusion of the Sindh Peace March, he emphasized Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s ability to lead the Muslim Ummah. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Israel, calling it an illegitimate occupying force, and voiced support for the Sumud Flotilla heading towards Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. The SMDA strengthens Pakistan’s strategic position in the Gulf amid growing regional security concerns. Officials have indicated that the agreement will cover mutual defence, intelligence sharing, and joint training exercises, though detailed provisions have not been publicly released.
Pakistan has prolonged its airspace ban on all Indianregistered and Indian-operated aircraft, including military planes, for another month. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed the extension on Friday through a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which continues the restriction that prohibits Indian commercial airlines, India-registered aircraft, and military flights from entering Pakistani airspace. The initial airspace ban was imposed by Pakistan on April 24, following India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty amid rising tensions after the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). In retaliation, India closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines on April 30. The latest extension of the ban brings the total duration of the airspace closure to 210 days. In May 2023, India launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani cities, prompting Pakistan’s armed forces to carry out “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” a large-scale retaliatory military action targeting Indian military installations. The conflict led to the downing of several fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, and the war ended with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States on May 10. While the aviation industry in India has suffered significant losses due to the restrictions, Pakistan’s aviation sector has faced minimal impact.
No ‘either-or’ in foreign policy: Pakistan to deepen ties with US, China: ISPR chief RAWALPINDI
staff report
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its “longstanding” ties with the United States, stressing that the country’s relations with “one state do not come at the cost of another.” In an interview aired on Pakistani television channels on Friday—purportedly given to a German media outlet—the DG ISPR was asked about Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir’s recent visits to the US and whether they had helped “warm up” Islamabad-Washington ties. Lt-Gen Chaudhry acknowledged the role of the US and then-President Donald Trump in mediating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May after a four-day escalation. “Over a period of time, we have been able to enhance and amplify our convergences [with the US] and deftly managed the divergences,” he said. “There are areas where a lot can be done, areas where more engagement is possible,” he
added, stressing that Pakistan considered its relationship with Washington “very important.” Responding to a question about balancing ties, the military spokesperson clarified, “We don’t think these relationships have anything to do with either-or.” When the interviewer mentioned China, he continued—after a video cut—that “we, at the same time, have very constructive and strategic relations with China and other countries.” The DG ISPR underlined counterterrorism as a key area for US-Pakistan cooperation, welcoming Washington’s recent designation of the Majeed Brigade—the suicide squad of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)—as a terrorist organization. Pakistan had already proscribed the Majeed Brigade on July 18, 2024. Touching on concerns about US weaponry left behind in Afghanistan, Lt-Gen Chaudhry cited the recovery of Americanmade arms from militants involved in the November 4, 2023 attack on Mianwali airbase. “We share all this data with the Americans,” he said, describing the stockpile as “huge.” Quoting a Special Inspector General
for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) report, he said more than $7.2 billion worth of US equipment was left after the withdrawal of American and NATO forces. On ties with India, he recalled the May clashes, noting, “On May 10, actually the fire ceased—it’s the ceasefire that happened, [but] the conflict endures.” He cited the Kashmir dispute, Indian “state-sponsored terrorism,” and the rise of “Hindutva extremism” as major irritants. “Pakistan believes these issues need resolution,” he said, urging global powers—“especially players like the USA”—to intervene. “We have no doubt in our minds that behind each and every terrorist incident in Pakistan lies Indian support and abetment.” He accused India of using Afghanistan as a base for operations, claiming that the TTP and BLA were currently its “main tools.” “Indians have a playbook of using terror as a tool of state,” he remarked. Dismissing suggestions of an insurgency in Pakistan, Lt-Gen Chaudhry said, “There is no insurgency; the correct term is terrorism.” On Balochistan, he argued that only a frac-
tion of the Baloch population actually resided in the province, saying numbers must be considered before discussing the issue. On missing persons, he alleged that “half of these missing persons are part of the
BLA” and claimed that many militants killed in Balochistan were later included in the list. He further contended that the number of missing persons was higher in Sindh and Punjab than in Balochistan.