Law Ministry withdraws notification to dismiss Justice Shaukat

Islamabad: The Ministry of Law Tuesday withdrew the notification of the dismissal of former judge of Islamabad High Court (IHC), Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui.

A five-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa had completed the hearing on the constitutional petitions of Shaukat Siddiqui on January 23, 2024, and the decision was pronounced on March 22, 2024.

The court had annulled the Supreme Judicial Council's (SJC) decision to dismiss Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui.

Court decision

In the pronounced decision of the Supreme Court, it was said that the dismissal of Shaukat Siddiqui by the SJC is declared illegal, while on October 11, 2018, the President issued a notification of his dismissal on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, is also declared null and void.

It has been stated in the court decision that Justice Shaukat cannot be reinstated, he should be considered a retired judge of IHC and entitled to all benefits and pension.

Shaukat Siddiqui's retirement notification

On May 3, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the issuance of the retirement notification of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui.

The notification dated October 11, 2018 to remove Justice Shaukat from the post of judge was also approved.

The President approved the proposals of the Ministry of Law and Justice on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The President approved the issuance of the notification in the light of the Supreme Court's decision. The notification will be applicable from the date of retirement of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui on June 30, 2021.