December 30, 2025
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
A formal complaint has been filed before the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against Justice Muhammad Asif, a judge of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking an inquiry into alleged misconduct under Article 209 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The complaint was submitted by Inam-ul-Rahim, Advocate, who states that he is acting in fulfilment of his constitutional and professional duty to uphold the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution. The reference has been filed under Article 209(5) of the Constitution, read with Rule 5 of the Supreme Judicial Council Procedure of Inquiry Rules, 2005.
According to the complaint, a fatal road accident occurred in the early hours of December 2, 2025, at around 1:30 am, near Secretariat Chowk on Constitution Avenue in Islamabad. It is alleged that the 16-year-old son of Justice Muhammad Asif, identified as Abuzar, was driving a non-custom-paid V8 vehicle at high speed in a reckless manner. The complaint further claims that the vehicle was bearing a fake registration number plate of an Axio car.
The incident allegedly resulted in the death of two young women who were returning home on a scooter after earning their livelihood. The complainant maintains that Justice Muhammad Asif reached the scene of the accident while one of the victims was still alive. However, instead of ensuring immediate medical assistance, it is alleged that priority was given to securing his son and his friends. Both victims later succumbed to their injuries at the spot.
Following the incident, FIR No. 654/25 was registered at Police Station Secretariat, Islamabad, under Sections 322, 279, and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The complaint alleges that the respondent judge subsequently misused the influence of his office and employed state machinery to exert pressure on the legal heirs of the deceased women.
It is further alleged that on December 6, 2025, bail was granted to the accused minor by the area magistrate through proceedings conducted in secrecy. According to the complaint, statements of compromise were recorded after court hours through in-camera proceedings. The complainant asserts that not all legal heirs appeared before the court, and that the statement of the deceased’s mother, identified as Tabinda Batool, was not recorded at all.
The complaint argues that while the offence under Section 322 PPC is compoundable under Islamic law only upon lawful payment of diyat, the respondent judge failed to submit himself to the due process of law. Instead, it is alleged that an unlawful and coercive arrangement was pursued to secure the release of his son, conduct described as unbecoming of a judicial officer and contrary to the injunctions of law and Shariah.
The complainant further contends that a judge is expected to demonstrate the highest standards of character, humanity, and moral integrity. It is alleged that Justice Muhammad Asif, even during visits to the victims’ residences, failed to display compassion and instead relied on the presence of state officials to exert pressure on the bereaved families.
The reference also points out that such conduct undermines the principle that judicial independence must not only exist but must also be seen to exist. By allegedly using his official position for personal advantage, the respondent is accused of violating multiple provisions of the Code of Conduct issued by the Supreme Judicial Council, including the obligation to remain impartial, law-abiding, and blameless.
The complainant maintains that the allegations have become a matter of widespread public discussion, particularly on social media, which, according to him, has further eroded public confidence in the judiciary. It is argued that under these circumstances, Justice Muhammad Asif has lost the moral qualification required for confirmation and continuation in judicial office.
In his prayer, the complainant has requested the Supreme Judicial Council to conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations and to forward its report to the President of Pakistan for the removal of the learned judge, in the interest of justice, equity, and public confidence in the judiciary. An affidavit affirming the contents of the complaint has also been submitted, declaring the allegations to be true to the best of the complainant’s knowledge and belief.