ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) has endorsed the constitutional petition filed by judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) with the Supreme Court as regards the transfer of judges from other courts and the “deliberate manipulation” of judicial seniority.

IBA President Chaudhary Naeem Ali Gujjar and General Secretary Abdul Haleem Boto said in their statement that the IHC judges’ petitions highlight “severe threats” to judicial independence, constitutional supremacy and the separation of powers, which are the cornerstone of Pakistan’s democratic framework.

The IBA leaders condemned the “executive interference” in judicial affairs, particularly the “arbitrary” transfer of judges to the IHC without “due process” or fresh oaths. They claimed that these transfers undermine the IHC’s autonomy and integrity.

They said the impugned transfers are a clear violation of Article 200 of the constitution, and stressed that high courts must remain free from executive manipulations. Misusing judicial transfers for coercion and political engineering violates the constitution, and contradicts landmark cases, they added.

The IBA called upon the SC to adjudicate the petition, and reverse the “unconstitutional” transfers and safeguard judicial independence. The IBA said it stands in solidarity with the petitioner judges, and would defend the judiciary from unconstitutional overreach.