ISLAMABAD - The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) Tuesday recommended three names for appointment as additional judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). 
Chief Justice IHC Athar Minallah had proposed to the JCP the names of Barrister Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Suman Riffat Imtiaz for appointment as additional judges in Islamabad High Court.
The JCP meeting in this regard was held in the Supreme Court building, which was presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed. The recommendations now have been sent to Parliamentary Committee on Judges’ appointment for approval.
In this connection, the IHC CJ had written a letter to the JCP on November 10, wherein he explained why he had recommended these names. 
He said that the IHC has been established under Article 175 of the Constitution. Section 3 of the Islamabad High Court Act, 2010 provides that the high court shall consist of a chief justice and nine other judges to be appointed from the provinces and other territories of Pakistan. At present four positions of judges are vacant. 
The IHC CJ said, “Keeping in view the intent of the legislature and the nature of litigation on generally dealt with by the high court, the representation of the provinces has been ensured since its inception. After the non-confirmation of the three additional judges, the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan have no representation on the benches.” 
He added that an extensive process of consultation was undertaken to find the most suitable candidates for filling the vacant positions. He further said that the fundamental consideration was to ensure that the proposed candidates possess the requisite credentials and repute expected from members of the bench. The candidates were shortlisted after extensive considerations with all the relevant stakeholders. 
Justice Athar said that on these nominations, the high court had identified two advocates from Sindh. However, one of them did not consent to his name being proposed for elevation to the IHC. He said that the nominee, Saman Rafat Imtiaz, has a strong academic background and enjoys a reputation for professionalism. Currently, no female judge is working in the IHC. 
Regarding the nomination of Arbab Muhammad Tahir, IHC CJ had said the nominee had been practicing in Balochistan and had served as its advocate general for a considerable period. 
He further said that the third nominee, Barrister Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, had an established law practice In Islamabad. “He has been regularly appearing before the benches of this court and the judges are unanimous in their opinion regarding his competence, integrity and professional conduct,” the IHC CJ stated.