The Supreme Court of Pakistan has reserved its verdict on the petition filed by former Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui challenging his removal from office in 2018. The five-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa heard the case and ordered all respondents to submit their replies within three weeks.

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Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui was removed as an IHC judge on October 11, 2018, based on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) due to his conduct unbecoming of a high court judge. The SJC unanimously opined that Siddiqui, in a speech before the District Bar Association in Rawalpindi on July 21, 2018, displayed conduct unbecoming of a high court judge by making serious allegations against the country’s premier intelligence agency.

During the recent hearing, the CJP observed that a proper inquiry was not conducted in the case and emphasized the need for an investigation into the allegations made by Siddiqui. The court is considering the constitutional validity of Siddiqui’s removal and the process followed by the SJC.

The case highlights the broader issue of judicial conduct and the authority of the Supreme Judicial Council in handling such matters. The court is expected to deliver its verdict after considering the arguments presented by all parties involved.