• Law Ministry notifies transfer of three IHC judges.
• Transfers approved under Article 200 of Constitution.
• President approves moves on JCP recommendation.

In line with the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) decision, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified on Wednesday the transfer of three judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to different high courts under Article 200 of the Constitution.

According to a notification issued by law ministry, the President of Pakistan approved the transfers on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).

The notification read that Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has been transferred to the Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Babar Sattar to the Peshawar High Court (PHC), and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz to the Sindh High Court (SHC).

The move comes a day after JCP approved the transfer of three judges to other high courts under Article 200 of the Constitution.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and JCP Chairman Yahya Afridi chaired the commission meeting, which was convened by the JCP secretary in exercise of powers conferred by clause (22) of Article 175A of the Constitution.

The meeting was attended by Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Aamer Farooq, Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, representative from Pakistan Bar Council Ahsen Bhoon, Farooq H Naek, Barrister Ali Zafar and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.

The JCP further noted that the members who had requisitioned the meetings for the transfer of Justice Arbab M. Tahir from the Islamabad High Court to the Balochistan High Court, and of Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro from the same court to the Sindh High Court, withdrew the respective proposals.

The commission further decided by majority that any vacancy arising as a result of the transfer of a judge from a high court shall be filled through transfer only, and such vacancy shall not, in any manner, be treated as a vacancy for initial appointment, said a press release.

Govt defends JCP move

Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik has said that decisions taken by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) are in accordance with the Constitution and law, and that no member of the commission is subordinate to another.

Speaking on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Malik said the authority to transfer judges rests with the JCP, not the executive, adding that the issue of judges’ rotation had also been demanded by bar councils.

He said the written position of Justice Babar Sattar had been placed before the commission, noting that the Constitution allows the commission to hear a judge if it considers it appropriate, but such a hearing is not mandatory.

Referring to Articles 200 and 175A of the Constitution, the minister said the commission comprises seven senior judges, including two chief justices, and representatives from both the government and the opposition, and that decisions are taken by majority. He rejected the perception that judicial transfers amount to punishment, saying the Constitution provides for such measures, adding that the transfers are aimed at strengthening the federal system.

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates is reassessing its role and contributions across multilateral organisations but is not considering any further withdrawals at this time, a UAE official told Reuters on Wednesday, a day after Abu Dhabi announced its withdrawal from Opec.

The Emirati official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the country is reviewing the utility of its membership in multilateral organisations broadly.

The statement comes amid intense speculation that Abu Dhabi could exit other regional bodies, including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), following its surprise decision to leave the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Opec+ effective May 1.

The comments add to a broader reassessment of alliances underway in Abu Dhabi since the start of the Iran war, with the GCC facing some criticism for what Abu Dhabi has called an inadequate response ​to the conflict.

“It is true that, logistically, the GCC countries supported ​each other, ⁠but politically and militarily, I think their position was the weakest in history,” senior UAE official Anwar Gargash told a conference in the UAE on Monday.

“I expected such a weak ⁠position ​from the Arab League, and I am not surprised ​by it, but I have not expected it from the GCC, and I am surprised by it.”

Gargash had earlier signalled that the UAE would “scrutinise” its regional and international relations to “determine who can be relied upon”, pairing that review with measures to strengthen the UAE’s economic and financial position.

“Strategic autonomy remains the UAE’s enduring choice,” Gargash has said.

The UAE is a regional business and financial hub and one of Washington’s most important allies. It has pursued an assertive foreign policy and carved out its own sphere of influence across the Middle East and Africa.

Prince William and Princess Kate delighted their well-wishers by including two special members of the Wales team.

April 29 is the day when William and Catherine exchanged vows. Today, the powerful royal couple is celebrating 15 years of their beautiful chapter, their marriage.

Kensington Palace released an adorable photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales to celebrate a significant milestone. The image also included their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

But it is not the only highlight of the Waleses’ new post. The future King and Queen added their dogs, beloved cocker spaniel Orla and another unnamed dog was there. 

William and Kate’s team penned alongside the new image, “Celebrating 15 years of marriage.”

One fan wrote in the comments section, “Congratulations and wishing you many years of happiness!”

“O, my God! This photo is perfection!” another social media user expressed excitement.