SC issues notice to LHC registrar in judge’s pension case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday issued a notice to the Lahore High Court (LHC) registrar in a matter related to the pension of former District and Sessions Judge Arshad Malik (late).

A five-member constitutional bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, heard the application of the wife of former District and Sessions Judge Arshad Malik (late) regarding pension. The bench issued a notice to the LHC registrar with directions to appear before it in person on the next date of hearing.

Counsel for the appellant told the court that Arshad Malik (late) was sacked by the Lahore High Court (LHC) adding that his client was hearing a reference regarding political personalities.

Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, however, inquired why a judge visited the houses of political personalities. The counsel replied when Arshad Malik died, his appeal against his dismissal was pending. The counsel requested the bench that on humanitarian grounds, the dismissal of deceased judge might be converted into forced retirement. The court adjourned the hearing for date-in-office (indefinite period).

It is pertinent to mention here that former District and Sessions Judge Arshad Malik was removed from service on a video scandal. He was hearing references filed against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Al-Azizia and Flagship cases.