Lahore, October 28,2026: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani on Wednesday resigned as a judge of the Lahore High Court (LHC), citing “reasons of conscience” and what he described as the executive’s growing control over judicial institutions.
In his resignation letter, Justice Kayani also cited personal reasons, including health concerns following a recent surgery.
Justice Kayani was among three judges transferred from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to other high courts in April this year following a proposal initiated by IHC Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar.
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, approved the transfers on April 28 by a majority vote. Justice Kayani was transferred to the LHC, Justice Babar Sattar to the Peshawar High Court and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz to the Sindh High Court.
Describing his judicial service at the IHC and LHC as a privilege, Justice Kayani said his years on the bench had been among the most meaningful and fulfilling of his life.
He recalled disposing of more than 23,000 cases during his tenure, adding that he had consistently sought to uphold the Constitution, protect fundamental rights and administer justice without fear or favour.
However, he expressed concern that changes introduced through the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments had compromised the independence and institutional integrity of the high courts.
“I have witnessed what I regard as the executive’s growing control over judicial institutions, extending to the appointment and transfer of judges,” he said in the letter.
Justice Kayani maintained that such interference had seriously undermined public confidence in judicial independence and the fairness of the judicial process.
He also expressed concern over the difficulties faced by ordinary litigants, saying their suffering continued to deepen while their needs were frequently neglected in a system intended to serve them.
“Under such circumstances, my conscience does not permit me to continue” on the bench, he wrote, describing his resignation as a painful decision.
He said judicial office must remain inseparable from independence, fidelity to the Constitution and the protection of human dignity.
Justice Kayani also announced his intention to return to legal practice, saying he would continue working to serve the public, protect people’s rights and promote legal awareness.
