LAHORE – Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza of the Lahore High Court has resigned from his position, just two days after the resignations of Supreme Court judges Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah. The move comes amid the aftermath of the recently approved 27th constitutional amendment.
Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza, who was also a member of the high court’s administrative committee, submitted his resignation to President Asif Ali Zardari. Following his resignation, he vacated his chamber at the court. Sources suggest that speculation about a potential transfer due to the constitutional changes may have influenced his decision to step down.
Justice Mirza had originally taken the oath as an additional judge of the Lahore High Court on March 22, 2014. He was scheduled to retire in 2028. Notably, he is the son of former Supreme Court judge Justice Zia Mahmood Mirza, highlighting a family legacy in Pakistan’s judiciary.
Earlier this year, a reference had been filed against Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza by a government lawyer with the Supreme Judicial Council. While the details of the reference remain confidential, it adds context to the timing of his resignation and the ongoing changes within the judiciary.
Observers say Justice Mirza’s resignation reflects growing shifts in Pakistan’s judicial landscape following recent constitutional amendments. The 27th amendment, which altered several administrative and procedural aspects of the judiciary, has prompted multiple high-profile resignations and transfers in the past week.
Officials at the Lahore High Court confirmed that administrative procedures are underway to fill the vacant position left by Justice Mirza. Meanwhile, legal experts say his resignation, along with those of other senior judges, may impact the court’s ongoing cases and administrative functions.
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Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza’s departure marks another significant development in Pakistan’s judiciary, raising questions about the long-term effects of recent constitutional changes on the country’s legal system and judicial independence.
