The registrar of the Islamabad High Court has said that the Constitution does not prohibit a judge from holding the citizenship or residence of another country to hold office.
The IHC Registrar Office said in response to a letter from Senator Faisal Vawda that the Constitution did not prohibit holding citizenship or residence in another country to become a judge. It added that no information regarding dual citizenship was asked for from a lawyer when he became a judge of the high court.
According to the text of the letter, Justice Athar Minallah of the Supreme Court made this clear in the proceedings into the case in the letter of six judges of the high court regarding alleged interference in judicial affairs. Justice Minallah had said that the issue of Justice Babar Sattar's green card was discussed in the Supreme Judicial Council, which approved his appointment as a judge after deliberations.
The Registrar Office further says that the Islamabad High Court did not hold the record of the discussion that took place in the judicial commission. The Registrar's Office had explained in a press release that Justice Sattar had informed the chief justice about the green card at that time, the registrar's response said further.
It should be noted that Senator Faisal Vawda had requested the Islamabad High Court's Registrar's Office for information that Justice Babar Sattar had provided about him being a green card holder.
Also Read: Vawda questions 'double standards' on dual citizenship of judges
On Wednesday, Vawda had slammed baseless accusations against agencies and sensitive institutions and called for concrete evidence to be presented.
In a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, the former PTI leader emphasized that the growing public unrest must be addressed with facts rather than allegations.
“Enough is enough,” Vawda declared, warning that continued unfounded claims could lead to severe repercussions. “If they throw their turbans, we will make a football out of their turbans. If you give respect, you will get respect,” Vawda declared.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining integrity, particularly among public representatives and the judiciary. He questioned the dual citizenship of judges, arguing that if public representatives cannot hold dual citizenship, neither should the judges.
The senator pointed out that Justice Athar Minallah is reputed for his transparency and integrity, noting that the judge did not meet anyone in secret or issue decisions merely for publicity. Furthermore, Vawda mentioned his letter to the Registrar's Office seeking information on Justice Babar Sattar, to which he claimed he had yet to receive a response.
