Ex-LHC judge says resignation 'rebellion against system'

Justice (retd) Shahid refutes claims of resigning 'under duress'; advises other judges to 'not give in to fear'

LAHORE:

Former Lahore High Court Judge Shahid Jameel Khan, speaking publicly for the first time since his resignation earlier this month, characterized his decision as a “rebellion against a system held hostage by vested interests.”

Addressing a lawyers’ convention, he lamented the capture of the system by certain individuals who seek to wield it according to their whims.

Highlighting the prevalent instability in Pakistan, Justice Shahid expressed concern that some judges continue to operate under fear, fearing job loss or displeasure from superiors. Urging a break from this fear-driven culture, he emphasized the importance of unity and courage for the nation to stand as one.

Justice (retd) Khan refuted speculations of resigning under duress, affirming that his resignation was a personal choice made after careful deliberation on what was best for him. He underscored the importance of upholding one’s self-respect and making decisions independently, without succumbing to pressure or compromise.

“My resignation serves as a testament to those who yield to pressure,” he asserted, advocating for judges to base their decisions on principles, free from external influence or intimidation.

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Responding to a query regarding “the establishment” approaching him, the retired judge said that he had “only twice been approached by them”. Once after his confirmation as a judge when “a lawyer approached me to convey a ‘zoo official’s’ message regarding wanting to meet me". "I was told the official was really 'impressed' by me," the judge said, adding that he refused the meeting offer.

The second time, he said, was when “a car chased me during the time I was hearing some matters related to cantonment elections in Rawalpindi,” he said.

Justice Shahid claimed that he was informed that the car chase was a warning for him. “Although they did not accept responsibility, everyone knows who they were,” the judge said.

Justice Shahid's resignation

On February 2, Justice Shahid tendered his resignation from his office, citing “personal circumstances” in which he had decided to “turn the page and start a new chapter”.

In his resignation letter, sent to President Dr Arif Alvi, he stated, “It was an absolute honour to hold the office, but for personal circumstances I have decided to turn the page and start a new chapter."

His resignation marked the third such departure within a month during Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa's tenure.

Justice Shahid, who remained part of the LHC bench since 2014, decided to step down, adding to the recent exits of Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, both SC judges.