Justice Ibrahim Khan, former Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, has been appointed Chairman of the Appellate Tribunal for Medical Teaching Institutes (MTI).
The Health Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa confirmed this appointment based on the recommendations of a search committee, which Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur approved.
Justice Khan, who has maintained a reputable standing throughout his judicial career, has sparked considerable debate with this new role. Criticisms have emerged, particularly focusing on the appropriateness of assigning significant governmental positions to retired judges. Notable figures, including senior journalist Irfan Khan and PTI senior leader Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry, have questioned this practice.
The implications of such appointments, especially considering Justice Khan’s previous decisions, notably included issuing numerous bails to PTI leaders.
Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry, in a statement on social media, pointed out that Justice Khan’s commendable record as a sessions judge would have been more fittingly continued in a higher judicial capacity, such as a role in the Supreme Court, rather than a provincial tribunal post-retirement. Chaudhry criticized the practice of appointing retired judges to governmental positions, deeming it highly inappropriate. He urged the former Chief Justice to reconsider accepting the role, suggesting that stepping down would be a more honourable course of action.
The developments have highlighted ongoing concerns regarding governance practices and the independence of the judiciary in the region, reflecting broader debates about the separation of powers and post-retirement appointments of judiciary members.
