The Islamabad High Court’s Registrar Office on Thursday responded to Faisal Vawda’s letter a day after the senator expressed annoyance over the court’s inability to respond.
The senator had requested information regarding Justice Babar Sattar’s green card status before his appointment.
In its response, the Registrar Office clarified that holding citizenship or residency in another country does not disqualify someone from becoming a judge under the Constitution.
The response further explained that the high court does not inquire about dual citizenship upon a lawyer’s appointment as a judge.
The response referenced a clarification by Justice Athar Minallah of the Supreme Court in the suo motu case involving six judges’ letters. It was disclosed that the issue of Justice Babar Sattar’s green card had been discussed in the Supreme Judicial Council, which ultimately approved his appointment.
However, the Registrar Office stated that records of these discussions are not maintained by court.
The response informed Vawda that a press release from the high court had already clarified that Justice Babar Sattar had disclosed his green card status to the chief justice at the time of his appointment.
“Article 19 of the Constitution gives every Pakistani the right to seek information. I, as a senator, seek details from you (Justice Sattar),” said Vawda.
“No work is finished until the paperwork is done.”
Vawda hoped the IHC judge would provide evidence soon and said several questions would arise if Justice Sattar failed to do so.
