Justice Sarfraz Dogar appointed acting chief justice of IHC amid seniority concerns

(Web Desk): Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar has been appointed as the acting chief justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), according to a notification issued on Thursday. This decision comes amid concerns from some judges over his seniority.

In a break from tradition, President Asif Ali Zardari will oversee Justice Dogar’s oath-taking ceremony instead of a senior judge. This unusual step follows speculation that five senior judges, who had opposed Justice Dogar’s transfer, might refuse to administer the oath themselves.

The Ministry of Law and Justice confirmed the appointment, stating that Justice Dogar would serve as acting chief justice "until a regular chief justice is appointed." Following his appointment, Justice Dogar has moved to courtroom number one and has started hearing cases.

Justice Dogar’s appointment comes shortly after the appointment of Justice Aamer Farooq to the Supreme Court earlier this week. The Ministry of Law and Justice also issued notifications for acting chief justices of three other high courts: Justice Ejaz Swati for the Balochistan High Court, Justice Junaid Ghaffar for the Sindh High Court, and Justice S.M. Attique Shah for the Peshawar High Court.

Additionally, the law ministry issued notifications for the appointment of seven new judges to the Supreme Court.