ISLAMABAD: A stark contrast has emerged within the legal fraternity of twin cities as the Rawalpindi District Bar Association has expressed “grave concern and dismay” over the alleged neglect of its division in recent appointments to the higher judiciary, while an executive member of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) has publicly lauded the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) for its merit-based selections.

In a strongly worded press release, the Rawalpindi Bar Association voiced deep distress over what it termed the systematic exclusion of lawyers from Rawalpindi Division in the recent appointment process for High Court judges.

The Bar leaders said that Rawalpindi Division is a significant legal centre with a large number of highly qualified and professionally competent lawyers who are capable of serving on the bench of the Lahore High Court.

The Rawalpindi Bar demanded that four seats in the Lahore High Court be allocated to its lawyers, arguing that their legal acumen and professional standing are being deliberately wasted under a “planned conspiracy”.

In stark contrast, Iftikhar Ahmad Bashir, an Executive Committee member of the IHCBA, recorded his appreciation of the appointment process.

Mr Bashir expressed hope that this decision marks the beginning of a lasting practice that will “strengthen the credibility of the institution and restore the confidence of practicing lawyers in a system that recognizes merit”. The letter comes following the JCP’s recommendation on July 20 to appoint three additional judges to the Islamabad High Court: Advocate Ayyaz Shaukat, District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, and Advocate Umair Majeed Malik.

In the recent appointments, two lawyers enrolled with the Islamabad High Court Bar Association namely Shireen Imran and Barrister Munawar Iqbal Duggal were also appointed as the judges of the Lahore High Court, said Mr Bashir.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2026