Islamabad High Court: Overview
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was initially established on 14 August 2007 by a Presidential Order issued by then-military ruler Pervez Musharraf. However, it ceased to exist on 31 July 2009 due to a decision by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Constitution Petition No. 09 and 08 of 2009. The court was re-established by the Islamabad High Court Act, 2010, following the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to the first Chief Justice, Iqbal Hameed ur Rahman, on 3 January 2011 at the Governor’s House in Karachi.
Jurisdiction
The Islamabad High Court has jurisdiction over the entire Islamabad Capital Territory. It has appellate jurisdiction over the following district courts:
- Islamabad District Court (East)
- Islamabad District Court (West)
Location
The Islamabad High Court is located on Constitution Avenue, Sector G-5/1, Islamabad. This strategic location in the heart of the capital ensures accessibility for residents and facilitates the court’s operations.
Composition Method
Judges of the Islamabad High Court are appointed by the President of Pakistan based on recommendations made by the Judicial Commission. This process ensures that the appointed judges are qualified and vetted for their positions.
Authorization
The court operates under the authority granted by the Constitution of Pakistan, which outlines its powers, structure, and functions. This constitutional backing ensures the court’s legitimacy and operational framework.
Appeals
The Islamabad High Court serves as an appellate court for decisions made by the Islamabad District Courts (East and West). Decisions from the Islamabad High Court can be further appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the highest judicial authority in the country.
Judge Term Length
Judges of the Islamabad High Court serve until they reach the age of 62. This term length ensures a balance between judicial experience and the infusion of new perspectives within the judiciary.
Number of Positions
The Islamabad High Court comprises 10 judicial positions, including the Chief Justice and other judges. This number of positions ensures a robust and functional judicial system capable of handling the caseload of the capital territory.
Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court
The current Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court is Justice Aamer Farooq, who took the oath of office on 11 November 2022. As Chief Justice, he oversees the court’s operations and ensures the delivery of justice.
Website
The Islamabad High Court maintains an official website (ihc.gov.pk) where the public can access information regarding court proceedings, judgments, and other relevant details. This online presence enhances transparency and accessibility for the residents of Islamabad.