Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani Steps Down From LHC Bench
His letter says he intends to continue serving the public through legal practice, rights protection and legal awareness.
ISLAMABAD: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has tendered his resignation from the Lahore High Court, citing personal reasons, health concerns and what he described as reasons of conscience, according to a letter dated October 28 received by Islamabad Tribune.
Addressed to the President of Pakistan, the letter says the judge is resigning from the office of LHC judge. A copy is marked to the Registrar of the Lahore High Court. The document states that Kayani intends to return to legal practice and continue working to protect public rights and promote legal awareness.
In the letter, Kayani says the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments have, in his view, compromised the independence and institutional integrity of the High Courts. He also raises concern about what he describes as growing executive control over judicial institutions, including the appointment and transfer of judges, saying such interference has weakened public confidence in judicial independence and fairness.
The letter also highlights the difficulties faced by ordinary litigants. It says people seeking justice are the principal stakeholders in the system, but their needs are often neglected while other actors benefit from institutions intended to serve them.
Kayani writes that his conscience does not permit him to continue on the bench under these circumstances. He describes the decision as painful and says judicial office must remain tied to independence, fidelity to the Constitution and the protection of human dignity.
Judicial Service and Case Disposal
Reflecting on his service at the Islamabad High Court and Lahore High Court, the judge says he disposed of more than 23,000 cases during his tenure and sought to uphold the Constitution, safeguard fundamental rights and administer justice without fear or favour.
The resignation letter follows Kayani’s transfer from the Islamabad High Court to the Lahore High Court in April 2026. The Presidency announced his transfer on April 29.
Resignation Follows New Roster
Accoring to reports yesterday the LHC’s November–December roster placed Kayani on a single bench at the Rawalpindi registry, with the schedule due to take effect from November 2. The resignation letter is dated the following day.
The document received by Islamabad Tribune records that a copy was sent to the LHC registrar. This report is based on the copy received; any formal action or confirmation by the President’s office or the court has not been independently verified at the time of publication.
