Too ‘Independent-Minded’ To Be A Judge: Babar Sattar’s Nomination Likely To Be Opposed

The nomination of renowned lawyers Babar Sattar and Tariq Jahangiri as additional judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was approved by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on December 3, but the parliamentary committee is likely to raise objection on their names.
Dawn reported that ‘certain quarters’ are unhappy with the nominations. A source was quoted as saying that the members of the parliamentary committee are expected to unnecessarily scrutinise the nomination by bringing up foreign financial interests of Babar Sattar.

The elevation of one of the nominees, most probably Sattar, was being opposed because he is known to be an independent mind and someone who ‘thinks independently without being influenced by situations’, the source said.

Sattar’s foreign properties may come under discussion during the meeting of the parliamentary committee despite the matter being assessed by JCP and also by the antecedents’ committee led by SC judge Justice Umar Ata Bandial.
Babar Sattar reportedly has six properties in the United States as well as equity of Rs171 million in these properties, and has taken mortgage against these assets. He is also said to be a partner in two businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).