Justice Jahangiri Suspended Over Fake Degree Claims

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stopped Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri from performing his judicial duties. The suspension comes after serious allegations surfaced regarding a fake law degree. A two-member bench issued the order on Tuesday. The bench includes IHC Chief Justice Sardar Sarfaraz Dogar and Justice Azam Khan. They said Justice Jahangiri must step aside until the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) gives its decision.

The IHC’s order will stay in place until the case is fully reviewed by the SJC. The court made this decision to maintain the credibility of the judiciary. Allegations against a sitting judge must be handled with care. The court stressed that fairness and transparency are vital. Justice Jahangiri will not resume duties unless cleared by the SJC.

To assist with the case, the IHC appointed two senior legal experts. Barrister Zafarullah Khan and former Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf will serve as judicial assistants. Their job is to offer legal insight and guide the court. Additionally, the court issued a notice to the Attorney General of Pakistan. His input will help the bench decide whether the petition is legally valid.

The allegations date back to July 2024, when the University of Karachi raised red flags. Officials claimed that Justice Jahangiri’s LL.B degree was obtained under suspicious circumstances. The degree was supposedly earned in 1991 through Government Islamia Law College. But records revealed two conflicting enrollment numbers and names tied to his academic history.

One enrollment number originally belonged to another student, Imtiaz Ahmad. Yet it was allegedly used by Justice Jahangiri under a different name. Another enrollment ID was also used fraudulently under his alternate identity. The university’s letters suggest possible academic fraud. The case has now become a key test for judicial accountability in Pakistan.