Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq is anticipated to constitute a larger bench to commence contempt proceedings concerning a social media campaign aimed at Justice Babar Sattar. The bench is scheduled to address the issue today, as reported by sources.
Justice Sattar reportedly sought CJ Farooq’s intervention following the online disclosure of personal information, including his family’s US residence permits. Emphasising the breach of his family’s privacy, Justice Sattar highlighted the dissemination of their identity cards and permanent residency card on social media platforms.
In response to the social media campaign, the IHC’s public relations office issued a statement on Sunday, denouncing the allegations as “false, malicious, and contemptuous.” The press release refuted claims of Justice Sattar concealing assets in Pakistan and the US.
It clarified that Justice Sattar has maintained Pakistani nationality exclusively, notwithstanding his tenure as a lawyer in New York and possession of a green card. The statement emphasised his return to Pakistan in 2005, where he has resided and worked since.
Notably, Justice Sattar is among six IHC judges who have raised concerns about perceived interference in judicial affairs by the country’s intelligence apparatus.