Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani resigns as LHC judge

Lahore High Court Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani resigned on Wednesday, citing personal reasons, health issues and concerns over judicial independence, according to his resignation letter sent to the president.

In his letter, Kayani expressed reservations about the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, arguing that they had undermined the independence and institutional autonomy of high courts.

He also said that growing executive interference in the appointment and transfer of judges was damaging judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system.

He said litigants were facing increasing difficulties while people seeking justice were being neglected, adding that his conscience did not allow him to continue serving as a judge under the prevailing circumstances.

Justice Kayani said he would return to legal practice to protect public rights and promote legal awareness.

He had decided more than 23,000 cases during his judicial career.

Justice Kayani was appointed an Islamabad High Court judge on December 23, 2015.

In April this year, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan approved his transfer to the Lahore High Court, where he was subsequently assigned to its Rawalpindi bench.

He was second on the Islamabad High Court’s seniority list before his transfer and ranked 10th in the Lahore High Court.

He was due to retire on February 11, 2032, but resigned before completing his tenure.