The Islamabad High Court (IHC) vehemently denounced a misleading social media campaign targeting Justice Babar Sattar, labeling it as “false and malicious.” In an official statement, the IHC clarified that Justice Sattar holds solely Pakistani nationality, refuting claims suggesting otherwise.
Addressing the misinformation circulated online, the IHC clarified that Justice Sattar had obtained a permanent resident card (green card) from the United States due to his exceptional abilities, during his tenure there. However, he returned to Pakistan in 2005 and has since resided and worked in the country.
The court condemned the dissemination of confidential information, including travel documents and tax returns of Justice Sattar and his family, coupled with baseless allegations. It emphasised that Justice Sattar’s educational background, including his studies at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and Harvard Law School, aligns with his esteemed legal career.
Moreover, the IHC clarified that Justice Sattar’s wife and children possess dual citizenship of Pakistan and the US, and they relocated to Pakistan after his appointment as a judge. It underscored that Justice Sattar has no ownership or managerial involvement in his mother’s school in Rawalpindi, reiterating his adherence to ethical standards.
Regarding his assets, the IHC affirmed that Justice Sattar’s real estate holdings in Pakistan and the US were declared in his tax returns and scrutinised by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan before his judicial elevation. It emphasised that he has not acquired any additional real estate assets since assuming the judicial position.
The statement also dispelled allegations of Justice Sattar’s involvement in business entities and conflicts of interest, affirming his impartiality in presiding over cases. It underscored the IHC’s commitment to upholding the judicial code of conduct and ensuring transparency in its proceedings.
The IHC’s response comes amid Justice Sattar’s participation in a collective effort by six IHC judges to address alleged interference by intelligence agencies, highlighting the significance of safeguarding judicial independence in Pakistan.