ISLAMBAD – A fresh controversy has emerged over amendments to the Islamabad High Court Rules 2025 as Justice Babar Sattar has raised the serious legal objections.
In a formal letter addressed to Acting Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar and all judges of the High Court, Justice Sattar asserted that the changes were made without convening a full court meeting, in violation of the Constitution and judicial procedures.
According to the letter, Justice Sattar stated that he received the gazette notification for the new rules but believes they lack legal standing. He argued that under Article 208 of the Constitution, only the Chief Justice and the judges of the High Court have the authority to frame such rules. This power, he emphasized, cannot be delegated or exercised through any other means.
Justice Sattar also pointed out that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had adopted the Lahore High Court Rules, which do not permit the delegation of powers granted under Article 208. He stressed that no full court meeting was held to repeal or revise the Islamabad High Court Rules of 2011 which made the new 2025 rules legally invalid.
He warned that the unauthorized changes could affect employees’ rights and result in institutional embarrassment for the high court. Calling for immediate corrective action, Justice Sattar emphasized that the amendments not only breach constitutional provisions but also undermine the integrity of the judicial institution.
