IHC replaces registrar, inspection team member
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has made key administrative changes, relieving Registrar Yar Muhammad Walanah and Member Inspection Team Tanveer Akbar of their positions.
According to notifications issued by Additional Registrar Noor Muhammad Mirza with the approval of IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, Additional Registrar Rai Muhammad Khan has been appointed acting registrar, while Kamran Basharat Mufti has been appointed acting member of the Inspection Team.
The notifications state that Walanah will be paid one month’s salary in lieu of one month’s notice, in line with the terms of his contract.
Public interest cited
One of the notifications states that the chief justice was pleased to dispense with the services of the registrar in the public interest, with immediate effect. The same arrangement regarding salary in lieu of notice applies to the relieved inspection team member.
The chief justice appreciated the services and efforts rendered by both officials during their tenure, according to the notifications.
No further reason was given for the changes. The appointments of Rai Muhammad Khan and Kamran Basharat Mufti are in an acting capacity.
What the registrar does
The registrar of a high court heads the court’s administrative machinery. The office handles case fixation, the movement of files, administrative correspondence and the implementation of the chief justice’s administrative orders. The inspection team, meanwhile, monitors the working of subordinate courts and reports on their performance.
Because these are administrative rather than judicial posts, changes to them are made through notifications issued with the chief justice’s approval, as happened here.
Recent IHC administrative moves
The changes come amid a busy period for the Islamabad High Court. The court recently dealt with high-profile matters including appeals filed by Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali, and an unusual incident involving a lift at the court premises.
Administrative reshuffles of this kind are not uncommon in the higher judiciary, where chief justices periodically rotate key administrative staff. The federal constitutional court also made headlines this week when it reinstated a Karachi ATC judge, underlining how closely watched court administration has become.
What happens next
Rai Muhammad Khan will discharge the registrar’s functions in an acting capacity until a permanent appointment is made. The same applies to Kamran Basharat Mufti on the inspection team.
Court observers will watch whether further administrative changes follow, and whether the acting appointments are confirmed or replaced in the coming weeks.
Source: The Express Tribune
FAQs
Who was removed at the Islamabad High Court?
Registrar Yar Muhammad Walanah and Member Inspection Team Tanveer Akbar were relieved of their positions through notifications issued with the chief justice’s approval.
Who are the acting replacements?
Additional Registrar Rai Muhammad Khan is the acting registrar, and Kamran Basharat Mufti is the acting member of the Inspection Team.
Why were they removed?
The notification cites the public interest and states the chief justice was pleased to dispense with their services with immediate effect. No detailed reason was given.
What compensation will they receive?
Walanah will be paid one month’s salary in lieu of one month’s notice, in line with his contract terms. The same applies to the inspection team member.
