“People Are Already Troubled”: IHC Judge Rebukes Foreign Office Over Procedural Hurdle
Justice Azam Khan questions the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over its objection to an authenticated Islamabad High Court order, asking an official to explain why a judge’s personal stamp was demanded on a court-issued copy.
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Azam Khan expressed displeasure with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a citizen reportedly faced an objection while seeking action on an authenticated copy of a court order, with the ministry allegedly asking where the judge’s stamp was affixed.
According to the account of the proceedings, the citizen had approached the Foreign Office with a certified copy of an Islamabad High Court judgment. However, officials reportedly raised an objection, questioning the absence of a judge’s stamp on the document.
When the matter came before the Islamabad High Court, Justice Azam Khan expressed surprise over the objection. As the Foreign Office is located near the court, a ministry official was summoned within minutes to explain the matter.
‘Use Common Sense and Facilitate the Public’
During the exchange, Justice Azam Khan questioned the basis for demanding a judge’s personal stamp on a court order, explaining that certified copies of judicial orders are issued by the court’s copying branch and carry the relevant official stamp.
The judge urged officials to use common sense and avoid creating unnecessary obstacles for members of the public. He observed that the judiciary and government offices exist to facilitate citizens and make official procedures easier rather than add to their difficulties.
“People are already troubled; do not make things more difficult for them,” the judge remarked, according to the account of the proceedings.
Justice Azam Khan also noted that the applicant might already have hired a lawyer and paid substantial legal fees to pursue the matter. He directed that the issue be resolved promptly and asked the lawyer to explain the relevant judicial procedure to the concerned officials.
The judge emphasised that officials should understand established court procedures and ensure that citizens are not subjected to unnecessary delays over procedural objections.
The exchange highlighted concerns about administrative hurdles faced by citizens when dealing with government departments and the importance of ensuring that official requirements are applied correctly.
