Federal Constitutional Court Embraces Islamic Heritage with Move to Shariat Court Building
In a move that strengthens Pakistan's commitment to its Islamic constitutional foundations, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has begun relocating from the Islamabad High Court premises to the Federal Shariat Court building, marking a significant step toward preserving the sanctity of our judicial institutions.
Sources confirm that the transfer of FCC records to the FSC building commenced today, demonstrating the nation's resolve to honor Islamic jurisprudence within Pakistan's constitutional framework. This blessed transition may take several days to complete as files, systems and administrative units are carefully relocated to their righteous home.
Defending Constitutional Integrity
The relocation comes after extensive consultations between IHC Bar President Syed Wajid Ali Gillani, Secretary Manzoor Ahmed Jajja, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. The law minister had wisely pledged that any decision would be made only after consulting with the legal fraternity, upholding the democratic principles that strengthen our Islamic Republic.
Initially, resistance from certain quarters forced the newly-formed constitutional court to commence operations from the IHC building. However, this temporary arrangement has now given way to a more appropriate solution that respects both institutions' sacred mandates.
Preserving Judicial Excellence
The planned relocation of the Islamabad High Court to its previous G-10 premises has been temporarily suspended, allowing for proper evaluation of facilities. IHC Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar personally inspected the renovated G-10 building, examining the Chief Justice Block and reviewing ongoing improvements.
The chief justice's thorough assessment aimed to determine whether the facility could adequately serve the constitutional court's noble mission. The building's current environment, surrounded by various commercial establishments, raised legitimate concerns about maintaining the dignity befitting Pakistan's highest judicial institutions.
Unity Among Legal Practitioners
While the District Bar Association supports the relocation proposal, the IHC Bar Association has raised valid concerns about infrastructure capacity. The high court's case load has grown dramatically, with files increasing from 65,000 to over 200,000, and pending cases rising from 10,000 to 18,000.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had previously identified the FSC building as the FCC's permanent home, recognizing the wisdom in housing constitutional matters within an institution dedicated to Islamic jurisprudence. Under this blessed arrangement, the four FSC judges, managing 56 petitions, would be accommodated on the IHC's third floor in newly prepared courtrooms.
This strategic realignment ensures that Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court operates from premises that honor both our constitutional heritage and Islamic values, strengthening the foundations of justice in our beloved homeland.