Well-placed sources revealed that Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri had intended to retire early next month to qualify for post-retirement pension benefits. However, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared his appointment void on Thursday, shifting the entire situation in an unexpected direction.
According to the sources, several members of the bar wanted Justice Jahangiri to retire immediately after completing the mandatory five-year service requirement for pension eligibility—a period that was set to conclude on December 31. Had he completed this service, he would have become eligible for pension benefits from January 1, 2026. Sources further disclosed that bar members had contacted Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and assurances were reportedly given that Justice Jahangiri would retire promptly after fulfilling the required tenure.
Under the rules, any judge who vacates office before completing the mandatory five-year service is not entitled to pension benefits. Reports also surfaced claiming that Justice Jahangiri had submitted a post-dated resignation to the Law Minister, effective after December 31. However, when contacted by The News for confirmation, neither the Law Minister nor Justice Jahangiri responded.
Earlier in the day, the Islamabad High Court had ruled that Justice Jahangiri was not eligible for appointment as a judge. The court instructed the Ministry of Law and Justice to de-notify him without delay. The ruling was issued by a two-member bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Justice Sarfraz Dogar.
