ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Registrar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has formally issued a directive to Justice Babar Sattar, mandating that he vacate his official residence in the federal capital within 30 days. This order follows the cancellation of the government accommodation previously allotted to the judge, a decision triggered by his transfer to the Peshawar High Court (PHC).

Cancellation of Allotment

Official records indicate that the Estate Office rescinded the allotment of Justice Sattar’s residence on July 3. This administrative move came after the Judicial Commission of Pakistan approved his transfer from the IHC to the PHC on April 28. Consequently, the notice explicitly stipulates that the judge must complete the handover of the premises by August 3.

Judicial Tenure and Accommodation Status

Despite his transfer to Peshawar, Justice Sattar had expressed a preference to remain in Islamabad. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that he had notified the IHC administration of his desire to retain the Islamabad property for the duration of his tenure at the provincial high court. The situation highlights ongoing complexities regarding housing for senior judiciary members, an issue often discussed alongside broader administrative updates like the recent FBR Schedules 36 Hour Maintenance of Online Tax Systems Nationwide.

Legal Precedent and Ongoing Debate

The allocation of official residences remains a significant point of legal and administrative discourse. Notably, in a 2023 judgment authored by Justice Sattar himself, the court established that superior court judges are entitled to official accommodation from the date of their appointment throughout the entirety of their service. The ruling clarified that this entitlement stems from specific presidential orders, distinguishing it from general accommodation rules typically applied to federal government employees. This legal standing continues to influence how the Pakistan Government Increases Petrol and Diesel Prices Effective From Midnight might impact general fiscal policies versus judicial benefits.

Site Visit and Current Status

Recent reports suggest that administrative officials conducted a follow-up visit to Justice Sattar’s Islamabad residence earlier this week to enforce the notice. However, the visit concluded without a meeting, as the judge was reportedly on judicial leave and not present at the property. The matter remains under active administrative review as the deadline approaches, a development occurring amidst broader national focus on governance and institutional reforms, similar to recent discussions on how Shaza Fatima Emphasizes Industrial Automation for Pakistan’s Future Economic Growth.