The Lahore High Court has taken decisive action by terminating the services of three civil judges from different districts after conclusive findings of misconduct surfaced against them. This significant move underscores the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within its ranks.
Among those dismissed are Civil Judge Naseem Akhtar Naz from Lahore and Civil Judge Muhammad Aslam from Rawalpindi. Both officials faced serious allegations, which were thoroughly investigated and ultimately substantiated. Following a comprehensive review, the court’s administrative committee granted approval for their removal, and the registrar subsequently issued formal notifications confirming their dismissal.
In addition to these two, Civil Judge Sarmad Saleem from Jhelum was also relieved of his duties. His case was somewhat distinct; after taking a one-month leave to travel abroad, he tendered his resignation without resuming his official responsibilities upon returning. This sequence of events prompted the Chief Justice, Aalia Neelum, to establish a dedicated inquiry committee led by the Session Judge of Jhelum to examine the circumstances surrounding his resignation.
The inquiry committee’s findings revealed that Judge Saleem had failed to report back to his post after the sanctioned leave period and had submitted his resignation without fulfilling his official obligations. This breach of professional conduct was deemed sufficient grounds for his dismissal, reinforcing the judiciary’s zero-tolerance stance on dereliction of duty.
This series of dismissals highlights the Lahore High Court’s ongoing efforts to uphold ethical standards and ensure that judicial officers adhere strictly to their responsibilities. By acting firmly against misconduct, the court aims to preserve public confidence in the legal system and promote transparency within the judiciary. Such measures are crucial in a country where the rule of law depends heavily on the credibility and conduct of its judicial officers.
