Lahore High Court sacks judge Arshad Malik

The Lahore High Court (LHC) chief justice on Friday has dismissed the services of accountability judge Arshad Malik, who had convicted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Al Azizia Steel Mills reference, was previously suspended for misconduct.

The verdict was announced by the administration committee chaired by the high court’s chief justice.

Justice Mohammad Ameer Bhatti, Justice Ahmad Khan, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Shahid Waeed and Justice Ali Baqir also took part in the committee meeting.

Last year in July, the vice president of PML-N Maryam Nawaz had unveiled a video clip whereby former-accountability judge Arshad Malik could be heard saying that there was “no proof of corruption against the deposed premier” in the December 24 Al-Azizia reference.

Maryam said Arshad Malik had contacted Nasir Butt and told him that he was feeling guilty and having nightmares ever since he announced the verdict that led to Nawaz Sharif’s imprisonment.

She further claimed that the former accountability judge was coerced into delivering the Al-Azizia verdict against Nawaz Shrif.

Later, the PMLN leader asked for the acquittal of Nawaz Sharif on the basis of evidences shown in video, adding that she respects every institution of Pakistan.

Responding to the video, judge in his affidavit accused Nasir Janjua, Mahar Ghulam Jilani and Khurram Yousaf of pressurising him for a favourable judgement against Nawaz Sharif because of his immoral video.

Islamabad High Court (IHC) had suspended accountability court judge Arshad Malik and ordered him to report at LHC for further proceedings.

The notification stated, “The Chief Justice of this Court has been pleased to order to place the said judicial officer under suspension and repatriate to his parent department i.e. Lahore High Court, with immediate effect, for disciplinary proceedings to be conducted in accordance with law.”