Judicial Logjam: Islamabad High Court Probes Delay in Judges' Appointments

A constitutional standoff is brewing in Pakistan as the Islamabad High Court seeks answers from the federal government over the delayed appointments of judges to the country's high courts. The IHC's move comes after a writ petition was filed, highlighting the government's inaction on a pending summary for judicial appointments. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, who is hearing the case, has questioned the federal government's handling of the matter, expressing concern over the lack of progress in the appointment process. The judge has also raised the issue of stalled confirmations of judges to the Sindh High Court and Peshawar High Court, which were approved by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. The case has sparked a debate on the constitutional implications of the delay, with the petitioner arguing that the president can no longer reject the summary. As the hearing continues, the IHC has directed the federal government and the Ministry of Law to submit reports on the status of the summary, paving the way for a potential showdown between the judiciary and the executive.