ISLAMABAD – In a major development in the ongoing judges’ transfer controversy, the Federal Constitutional Court has dismissed the intra-court appeal filed by five judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
The appeal was related to the judges’ request to have their case regarding transfers referred back to the Supreme Court.
A FCC six-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan heard the case.
During the proceedings, no representative appeared on behalf of the Islamabad High Court judges.
In view of their absence, the court decided to reject the intra-court appeal, effectively closing this particular legal route for the five judges seeking reconsideration.
The Federal Constitutional Court’s bench emphasized adherence to judicial procedures and noted that the lack of representation in court played a key role in the dismissal.
The decision is expected to have implications for the ongoing judicial transfer case, which has drawn widespread attention across legal and political circles in Pakistan.
Earlier in the day, the Federal Constitutional Court announced its winter vacations.
According to the notification, the court will remain closed from December 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026, reopening on January 5, 2026.
Despite the recess, the court will continue to hear urgent cases and other fixed matters. The court’s offices will also remain operational during the vacation period to handle administrative work and ensure that critical legal matters are addressed promptly.
Meanwhile, attention now turns to the broader transfer case, which will likely see further developments once the court reconvenes in January.
The decision, though procedural, has already caused discussions among legal scholars, media and civil society about judicial independence and accountability in Pakistan.
