Pakistani judge wins relief as court blocks fake degree ruling
Controversy began in mid-September when the University of Karachi revoked Jahangiri’s law degree
Aamir Abbasi
Editor, Islamabad
Aamir; a journalist with 15 years of experience, working in Newspaper, TV and Digital Media. Worked in Field, covered Big Legal Constitutional and Political Events in Pakistan since 2009 with Pakistan’s Top Media Organizations. Graduate of Quaid I Azam University Islamabad.
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A Pakistani court on Friday suspended the University of Karachi’s decision to cancel the law degree of a senior judge, halting proceedings in a high-profile case that has gripped the country’s legal community.
The Sindh High Court ruling gave relief to Justice Tariq Jahangiri, who has denied allegations that his degree was fake.
“Nowhere in the world does a judge stand in the dock as an accused,” he told the court earlier. “I swear by God and His Prophet (PBUH) that I have honored my oath.”
The case has triggered protests by lawyers at the Sindh High Court and raised questions about academic record-keeping at one of Pakistan’s largest universities.
The controversy began in mid-September when the University of Karachi revoked Jahangiri’s law degree, saying its records showed he was never enrolled at Islamia Law College, an affiliated institution, despite holding an official enrollment number.
Jahangiri was reinstated to the bench earlier this week after the Supreme Court allowed him to resume duties.
Friday's hearing
In Friday's hearing, Professor Imran Siddiqui, registrar of the University of Karachi, appeared before the court saying he needed more time to respond.
Justice Iqbal Kalhoro, addressing the registrar, said: “We are granting you time, but what if any action is taken against the petitioner in the meantime?
"If later the order is overturned, who will compensate the judge for the damage suffered? Who will be responsible for the loss to the petitioner, whose lifetime work is at stake? Was notice ever issued to the affected party in the degree matter?”
The registrar, expressing ignorance, said he was newly posted and unaware. Justice Kalhoro remarked: “If you have come to court, you must answer.”
“It is possible that action against Justice Tariq Jahangiri was taken due to personal interest,” Justice Kalhoro observed.
The court also issued a notice summoning complainant Irfan Mazhar, who had filed the complaint against Jahangiri, describing himself as a patriotic citizen.
The court adjourned further hearing of the petition until November 20.
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