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October 30, 2026
Lahore High Court Judge Resigns Citing Executive’s ‘Growing Control’ over Judicial Institutions
Islamabad: Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani resigned from his post on Wednesday, citing “growing control” of the executive over judicial decisions following recent constitutional amendments, health and personal reasons.
Pakistan’s government passed the 26th constitutional amendment in October 2024, which grants sweeping powers to the executive to appoint the chief justice from a panel of the three most senior judges of the top court for a period of three years. The amendments also stated that Supreme Court judges will be appointed by a Judicial Commission of Pakistan, led by the chief justice and three senior judges.
The 27th amendment introduced sweeping changes to Pakistan’s judicial and military command structure. It established a new Constitutional Court, transferring select judicial powers from the Supreme Court. The government argued the move would reduce case backlogs and ensure quicker decisions, while critics said it would weaken the Supreme Court. The amendment further outlined new procedures for transferring judges between high courts.
“I, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, hereby tender my resignation from the office of judge of the Lahore High Court for personal reasons, including health concerns following my recent surgery, and for the reasons of conscience set out below,” Justice Kayani wrote in a letter seen by Arab News.
Kayani mentioned that he had disposed of more than 23,000 cases of various categories during his career, endeavoring always to uphold the constitution, safeguard fundamental rights, and administer justice without fear or favor.
“However, in my considered view, the changes introduced through the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments have compromised the independence and institutional integrity of the high courts,” the judge wrote.
“I have witnessed what I regard as the executive’s growing control over judicial institutions, extending to the appointment and transfer of judges. Such interference has, in my assessment, seriously eroded public confidence in judicial independence and the fairness of the judicial process.”
Justice Kayani said he was concerned about the plight of the ordinary litigant, saying their suffering continues to deepen as a result of these changes. – Arab News
Courtesy Arab News
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