Islamabad High Court Removes Judge Over Fake Law Degree, 116-Page Verdict Exposes Fraud

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 14:14 IST

Islamabad HC removed Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri for holding a fake law degree, citing fraudulent credentials and "dilatory tactics" as detailed in a 116-page judgment.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) in Pakistan has removed a judge from his post after discovering that he held a fake law degree, rendering his appointment legally invalid.

According to a 116-page detailed judgment issued on February 23, the court concluded that Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri’s academic credentials were fraudulent, Pakistani news outlet Dawn reported. Although appointed to the High Court in December 2020, he had already been restrained from performing judicial functions since September last year.

Court Cites Fake Enrolment Numbers, Impersonation In Law Exams

The ruling was based on original records obtained from the Registrar of Karachi University. The court found that Jahangiri had used dishonest means in connection with his law examinations. It noted that he appeared for an exam in 1988 using a fake enrolment number and was caught cheating.

In 1989, the university barred him for three years. Instead of serving the penalty, he allegedly reappeared the following year under a shortened version of his name, “Tariq Jahangiri," and used an enrolment number assigned to another student, Imtiaz Ahmed.

Additionally, the principal of Government Islamia Law College informed the court that Jahangiri had never been admitted to the institution.

Court Terms Defence ‘Dilatory Tactics’ As Judge Fails To Prove Credentials

The bench observed that despite being granted several opportunities to submit original documents and a written explanation, Jahangiri failed to provide proof of his qualifications. Instead, he filed applications seeking the constitution of a full bench, the recusal of the chief justice, and an indefinite adjournment, citing related proceedings before the Sindh High Court.

Describing these moves as “dilatory tactics", the court held that once documentary evidence was produced against him, the burden shifted to Jahangiri to establish the authenticity of his degree. His inability to do so led the court to draw an adverse inference, ultimately declaring his judicial appointment void.

News world Islamabad High Court Removes Judge Over Fake Law Degree, 116-Page Verdict Exposes Fraud

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