Arbab Muhammad Tahir Explained

Arbab Muhammad Tahir
Office:Justice of the Islamabad High Court
Term Start:17 December 2021

Arbab Muhammad Tahir is a Pakistani jurist who has been Justice of the Islamabad High Court, since 17 December 2021.

Biography

In November 2021, Tahir was recommended by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) for appointment as a judge of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). He served as the Advocate General Balochistan[1] before getting appointed as Justice of the IHC on 17 December 2021.[2]

Controversies

Allegations of harassment by intelligence agencies

On 26 March, 2024, six judges of the Islamabad High Court, including Tahir, wrote a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council of Pakistan, alleging interference by the Inter-Services Intelligence in judicial matters. They cited instances of pressure on judges through the abduction and torture of their relatives and secret surveillance within their residences. Additionally, they questioned the existence of a state policy aimed at intimidating and coercing judges.[3] Subsequently, the next day, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa convened a full court session to investigate the accusations raised by the judges.[4]

Notes and References

  1. News: Asad . Malik . JCP recommends 3 lawyers as IHC judges . 27 March 2024 . DAWN.COM . 24 November 2021 . en.
  2. News: Three newly appointed additional IHC judges take oath of office . 27 March 2024 . The Nation . 17 December 2021.
  3. News: Asad . Malik . IHC judges detail ‘brazen meddling’ in letter to Supreme Judicial Council . 27 March 2024 . DAWN.COM . 27 March 2024 . en.
  4. News: Calls for probe into letter by 6 IHC judges on ‘brazen meddling’ in judicial affairs . 27 March 2024 . DAWN.COM . 27 March 2024 . en.