Outgoing PHC CJ says paid dearly for decisions

Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan on Monday stated that he had to pay a “heavy price” for his decisions, adding that if any plaintiff believed that justice was not served to him, he would present himself on the day of judgment.

The judge was addressing a full court reference of the PHC judges which was held his honour in the provincial capital.

Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan was appointed as additional judge of the PHC on August 11, 2016. He became a permanent judge of the PHC on June 1, 2018. On July 7, 2023, he was elevated to the position of acting chief justice of the high court, and on August 25 he became the permanent judge.

The PHC chief justice is retiring on April 14.

Addressing the full court reference at the PHC, the chief justice noted that the day marked a significant milestone in his life as he stood before the court, having served in various key positions during his 31 years and nine months of service.

Highlighting his educational background and professional experience in the field of law, the PHC chief justice maintained that he had passed thousands of judgments while serving as a judge in the district judiciary, and approximately 15,000 judgments since his elevation. He added that 509 judgments were challenged in the Supreme Court, out of which 279 were upheld, 188 are still sub-judice, and only 42 small matters had been set aside.

The judge mentioned that he had always taken decisions in accordance with the law but during the last few years, his verdicts were unfairly associated with a political party and criticised. He said he had to pay a “heavy price” for his decisions.

He further maintained that if any plaintiff believed that justice was not served to him, he would present himself on the day of judgement.

He also highlighted his service after being appointed as “Commission” to probe APS Peshawar carnage.

The PHC chief justice stated that he had decided a record number of family cases, successfully bringing together thousands of families with extremely strained relations in a cordial manner. He mentioned that human rights applications were received, processed, and effectively decided during his tenure.

The outgoing chief justice extended his best wishes to the incoming chief justice, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim.

Addressing the full court reference, the Peshawar High Court Bar Association president observed that the services of Chief Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan will always be remembered.

Speaking on the occasion, the additional attorney general noted that the PHC chief justice always stood in support of justice, adding that he was an example for others to follow.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th, 2024.