Islamabad( The COW News Digital)– Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has filed an intra-court appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the verdict in the judges’ transfer and seniority case, calling it a threat to judicial independence.
The petition challenges the recent decision involving the transfer of three high court judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), claiming that the move undermines the principle of judicial freedom and targets judges perceived as independent. Khan contends that the reassignments were orchestrated to marginalize judges who had previously raised concerns over executive interference.
According to the appeal, several IHC judges had written formal letters against external meddling in judicial affairs. Instead of addressing those concerns, the judiciary allegedly retaliated by disrupting the seniority of those judges. The petition argues that such actions send a chilling message across the judiciary, eroding both its autonomy and credibility.
Imran Khan’s legal team argues that the transfers violate constitutional provisions—particularly Article 200, which permits only temporary transfers of judges, and Article 175-A, which outlines the procedure for judicial appointments and promotions. The petition asserts that the President of Pakistan has no authority to determine judicial seniority or authorize permanent transfers.
Furthermore, the appeal requests the formation of a full court bench to hear the matter, emphasizing the significance of the issue for Pakistan’s legal system. “This is not just about the transfer of a few judges,” the petition reads, “but about safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, ensuring fair seniority structures, and resisting executive overreach.”
Earlier, the Lahore High Court Bar Association and the Lahore Bar Association also challenged the same decision, expressing solidarity with the affected judges and warning that such interference could set a dangerous precedent.
The appeal seeks to restore the original seniority of the transferred judges and urges the Supreme Court to clarify the limits of presidential and executive authority in matters of judicial appointments.
This legal move by Khan adds yet another high-profile case to the already turbulent relationship between the judiciary and the political leadership in Pakistan, further complicating an already sensitive constitutional debate.
