The Islamabad High Court (IHC) addressed Senator Faisal Vawda’s letter on Thursday regarding Justice Babar Sattar’s citizenship. The court clarified that the Constitution of Pakistan does not prohibit a lawyer with citizenship or a residence permit from another country from becoming a judge.
Lawyers being considered for high court judge positions are not requested to provide details about dual citizenship. Justice Athar Minallah clarified this during the suo moto case proceedings on the six IHC judges’ letter. Justice Sattar’s green card was discussed in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which approved his appointment as IHC judge. The court does not keep records of discussions held in the SJC.
Justice Sattar has faced a smear campaign on social media. Confidential information, including travel documents of him and his family, was leaked. The campaign started after six IHC judges wrote to the SJC on March 27, complaining about intelligence agencies meddling in judicial affairs.
Earlier this week, Justice Sattar wrote a letter to IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. In it, he disclosed that a ‘top official’ from the security establishment threatened him to stop scrutinizing surveillance procedures in the audio leaks case.
A day later, Senator Vawda held a press conference. He demanded Justice Sattar present evidence supporting his allegations of interference in judicial matters and questioned why the judge had not brought the matter to the public’s attention earlier.
“Article 19 of the Constitution gives every Pakistani the right to seek information. I, as a senator, seek details from you (Justice Sattar),” said Vawda. He emphasized the importance of documentation and hoped the IHC judge would provide evidence soon. Vawda said several questions would arise if Justice Sattar failed to do so.
He stressed that it was incumbent on the judge and the high court to clear the air. Vawda questioned whether the absence of written documentation regarding his financial matters raised doubts about Justice Sattar and former IHC CJ Justice Athar Minallah.
In an earlier interview with a private TV channel, Vawda said he did not know Babar Sattar personally but believed he was a “better person or judge” as he was “appointed during their government.” Vawda mentioned hearing many “negative things” about Justice Sattar within his cabinet. He asserted that criticism should reveal a discernible “spark” within the individual.
Referring to Justice Sattar and other judges involved in the Lettergate scandal, Vawda questioned why the judges’ conscience remained dormant during the demolition of Nasla Tower. He also criticized the high court for not taking notice when a session court judge’s wife tortured the daughter of a poor person.
Vawda noted rumours on social media that Justice Sattar was running a school chain. He urged Justice Sattar to come forward and clear himself.
