“Does No One Inform the Chief Justice Which Judges Are Being Brought from Lahore on Deputation?” Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani

Islamabad: Islamabad High Court Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani expressed strong displeasure over separate trials and judgments being conducted in an FIR and its cross-version arising from the same incident, calling the practice deeply concerning.

During the hearing of an appeal filed by a convict sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder case, Justice Kayani questioned how a judge could conduct separate trials and pass separate verdicts for the same occurrence. He asked which judge had issued such a decision.

The defense counsel informed the court that Judge Afzal Majoka had decided the case. At this, Justice Kayani remarked, “Does no one from the bar inform the Chief Justice about the kind of judges being brought from Lahore on deputation?”

Justice Kayani criticized the appointment of judges on deputation who, he said, issue verdicts without recording witness testimonies. He noted that while judges can make mistakes, such errors should not stem from negligence or bad faith.

Quoting the defense counsel, Justice Kayani said the judge “hurriedly passed the verdict without due process.” He warned that haste in serious cases like murder leads to injustice. He also directed the inspection team to ensure that judges receive proper training, adding that prosecutors should also be adequately trained.

The judge emphasized that while errors may occur, they must never be the result of ill intent.

The Islamabad High Court sought assistance from the Prosecutor General and adjourned the hearing for a later date.