The Islamabad High Court has responded to Senator Faisal Vawda’s inquiry regarding correspondence between former IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Babar Sattar about the latter’s green card.
In its reply to the senator, the court’s registrar stated that the information sought by the high court from lawyers considered for elevation as judges does not include details about residency or citizenship of any country other than Pakistan. The registrar, writing on behalf of IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, maintained that such residency or citizenship is not a disqualification for a judge under the country’s Constitution.
Vawda’s letter, sent on April 30, referred to a social media campaign against Justice Sattar accusing him of holding US nationality and having business interests in a US-based private school.
Vawda emphasized his expectation for a response, stating, “We should receive that record as it has been 15 days.”
The IHC’s response clarified that conversations between potential judge candidates and the Chief Justice or Senior Puisne Judge are not documented, nor are minutes taken.
Justice Athar Minallah, then IHC chief justice, disclosed Justice Sattar’s possession of a green card during the Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s meeting, where his name was recommended for approval. Justice Sattar himself declared his possession of the residency card.
The letter stated that the court does not keep records of discussions in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan and there is no need to refer to Article 19-A of the Constitution unless there is privileged information.
A copy of the IHC registrar’s letter in response to Faisal Vawda’s query
Vawda questioned why a judge should have dual citizenship when assembly members can’t, suggesting the need for legislation on the matter. He demanded intervention from the Supreme Judicial Council.
