IHC Condemns Malicious Campaign on Social Media against Justice Babar Sattar

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) addressed concerns regarding a “malicious campaign” targeting Justice Babar Sattar on social media. This campaign allegedly involved the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and documents belonging to the judge, which were then circulated online.

Justice Sattar is among six judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) who have raised concerns about interference in judicial matters by the country’s intelligence agencies. In response to these allegations, the IHC convened a full court meeting where several measures were proposed to address the reported meddling. One such measure involves the reactivation of “empowered” inspection teams aimed at curbing the alleged interference in judicial affairs.

To safeguard the court from undue influence, the full court has resolved to reactivate its inspection teams and empower inspection judges. This initiative aims to equip these judges with the authority to address complaints from judicial officers within the subordinate judiciary regarding any interference or pressure they may face.

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Today, the IHC released a press statement, condemning the campaign against Justice Sattar. It revealed that individuals involved in the campaign leaked travel documents belonging to Sattar and his family, along with baseless accusations of asset concealment in Pakistan and the US. The press release highlighted that the campaign maliciously shared confidential information, including travel documents of Justice Sattar, his spouse, and children, across various social media platforms.

Addressing misconceptions, the IHC affirmed that Justice Babar Sattar holds solely Pakistani nationality. Despite his previous legal career in New York and possession of a green card, he ceased employment in the US in 2005 and has resided and worked in Pakistan ever since.

The press release further detailed that the campaign divulged information about properties listed in Justice Sattar’s tax declarations, along with unfounded and malicious accusations. It emphasized that both his assets in Pakistan and the United States underwent rigorous scrutiny by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan before his judicial appointment.

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The statement clarified that all real estate assets owned by Justice Sattar were either inherited or acquired during his tenure as a lawyer. It emphasized that he had not acquired any real estate assets since he was appointed a judge. Additionally, the court affirmed that Justice Sattar is not engaged in the management of any business entity and has not presided over cases in which his family members have vested interests.

Moreover, the Islamabad High Court has decisively dismissed objection petitions filed by PEMRA, FIA, and PTA in the Justice Babar Sattar audio leaks case. The court imposed fines of five lakh rupees on each organization, signaling a stern response to what it deemed as baseless petitions. This decision reflects a firm stance against frivolous litigation and underscores the importance of upholding legal integrity in such matters.