President removes Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui over SJC recommendation

ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday removed Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui from his post in the light of a recommendation by the Supreme Judicial Council, ARY News reported.

According to a notification issued by Ministry of Law and Justice, the president removed Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui from his office over recommendations of the Supreme Judicial Council of Pakistan.

“Consequent upon proceedings under Article 209(5) and recommendations of the Supreme Judicial Council of Pakistan under Article 209(6) read with Article 48(1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973…… The President of Pakistan has been pleased to remove Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, Judge, Islamabad High Court, Islamabad, from his office with immediate effect,” reads the notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Judicial Council recommended removal of Justice Siddiqui from his office over his controversial speech before the District Bar Association, Rawalpindi on 21 July, 2018.

The recommendation was sent to President Arif Alvi for approval.

“Mr. Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, Judge, Islamabad High Court, Islamabad had displayed conduct unbecoming of a Judge of a High Court and was, thus, guilty of misconduct and he is, therefore, liable to be removed from his officer under Article 209(6) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973,” reads the document issued by SJC.