A judge of the Islamabad High Court has voluntarily given up his US permanent residency following new travel regulations introduced for judges. The updated rules now require prior approval from the chief justice before any foreign trip, including private holidays.
According to court sources, the judge formally cancelled his US Green Card and instead received a five-year visa on his official passport. The decision came after amendments to the Presidential Order and a General Standing Order that strictly control judges’ overseas travel.
Under the new policy, a judge’s entire time — including vacations and holidays — is considered to be at the state’s disposal. The chief justice now has the authority to approve, regulate, or even revoke a judge’s leave after departure. Judges must also submit their foreign addresses and contact information while abroad.
Foreign Residency Becomes Complicated for Judges
Officials familiar with the matter explained that holding a foreign permanent residency has become increasingly difficult under these conditions. US immigration law requires Green Card holders to show intent to live permanently in the United States. Prolonged stays abroad — especially beyond six months — can raise concerns or lead to the loss of residency. Stays exceeding one year without a returning-resident visa typically result in automatic cancellation.
Sources confirmed that the Islamabad High Court judge gave up his Green Card to avoid any conflict between US residency requirements and the new domestic travel restrictions. The move also ensures compliance with Pakistan’s judicial administrative framework.
Internal Debate Over the Policy
The decision has calmed speculation that some judges were considering resignation due to the new policy. Insiders say it demonstrates a commitment to transparency and institutional discipline.
Earlier, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan criticized the policy in a letter to the IHC Chief Justice, arguing that requiring a no-objection certificate violates judges’ right to movement and undermines judicial independence.
The Islamabad High Court’s new travel policy continues to spark debate over the balance between administrative control and judicial freedom.
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