ISLAMABAD; Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed an intra-court appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the decision related to the transfer and seniority of judges from three high courts to the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
In his petition, Imran Khan argued that the transfers undermine the independence of the judiciary and are being used as a tool to sideline judges known for their impartiality. He contended that the move appears politically motivated, aiming to marginalize those judges who had earlier raised concerns about interference in judicial matters.
The petition references a letter written by several IHC judges, highlighting external interference in judicial affairs. Rather than addressing the issues raised in that letter, the authorities allegedly retaliated by altering the seniority of those judges. Khan stressed that such actions discourage judicial independence and violate constitutional provisions.
Citing Article 200 of the Constitution, the petition maintained that judicial transfers can only be temporary and must not impact a judge’s seniority. It further asserted that the President of Pakistan does not hold the constitutional authority to transfer judges or determine their ranking within the judiciary.
The appeal warns against the misuse of constitutional powers and urges the court to uphold the integrity of the judiciary. It calls on the Supreme Court to protect the principles of judicial independence, the seniority system, and the institutional sovereignty of the courts.
The move comes amid growing concerns over executive overreach and its impact on judicial autonomy in Pakistan.
