Justice Kayani returns to bench after gap

ISLAMABAD:

Islamabad High Court's (IHC) Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan has proceeded on long medical leave, resulting in significant changes in the court's bench structure.

IHC senior puisne judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has been given charge of a division bench after a long interval, while the single bench of Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz has been dissolved and a special bench has now been constituted comprising her and Justice Babar Sattar.

The duty roster for judges hearing cases next week has been issued. Eight single benches, four division benches, and one special division bench will be available for hearings.

The first division bench will consist of Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan. The second division bench, comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, will hear criminal appeals.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, due to health reasons, is on leave and will not be part of the special division bench. Justice Saman has been included in the special division bench led by Justice Babar Sattar, replacing Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan. This bench will hear tax cases.

The fourth division bench will consist of Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas, while the fifth division bench will be headed by Justice Khadim Hussian Soomro with Justice Muhammad Asif as its second member.