The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has disqualified Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri from holding judicial office after determining that his law degree was invalid at the time of his appointment, effectively rendering his elevation as a judge unlawful. The two-member IHC bench, led by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan, directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to immediately de-notify Jahangiri as a judge, citing constitutional requirements for valid academic credentials.
The ruling follows a protracted controversy over the authenticity of Jahangiri’s LLB degree from the University of Karachi, which had previously been cancelled by the university amid allegations of fraud and unfair means in obtaining the qualification. Official court records presented during the proceedings showed discrepancies in enrollment information and academic history, leading the bench to conclude that Jahangiri did not possess a legitimate law degree when first appointed.
Advocate Mian Dawood, who filed the petition challenging Jahangiri’s appointment, welcomed the verdict and emphasised legal accountability, while defence counsel raised concerns over procedural aspects and due process. Jahangiri has reportedly challenged earlier court orders in higher forums, including the Federal Constitutional Court, asserting objections to the maintainability and jurisdiction of the proceedings.