How a fake degree reached Pakistan’s High Court bench

Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, appointed to the bench in December 2020, was disqualified after a division bench of the Islamabad High Court concluded that he did not possess a recognised LLB degree at the time of his elevation. In a report by Dawn, the ruling declared his appointment “without lawful authority”, effectively voiding his tenure. 

The case centred on the verification of his academic credentials. Records presented before the court included confirmation from the University of Karachi that the degree attributed to him could not be authenticated. Further testimony from the principal of Government Islamia College stated that there was no evidence he had been enrolled in the law programme he claimed to have completed.

Following the ruling, the Ministry of Law and Justice de-notified him, and his name was removed from official court listings. The administrative action was taken shortly after the court’s decision.

Justice Jahangiri challenged the proceedings through legal petitions. He argued that the bench lacked jurisdiction and questioned the procedural handling of the case. He maintained that the matter had not been properly examined and sought relief through higher judicial forums.

Legal observers have said the case highlights concerns about the system used to verify credentials for high judicial office. As one legal analyst noted, “Eligibility for a High Court judge is personal and non-transferable, and holding the qualifications prescribed in the Constitution is mandatory.”