Lahore High Court Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani resigns over amendments

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Lahore High Court (LHC) resigned on Wednesday. He addressed his resignation letter to the President of Pakistan, according to Daily Times and Daily Pakistan Urdu.

In the letter, he cited personal reasons, including health concerns after a recent surgery, as well as reasons of conscience. He said it had been a privilege to serve at the Islamabad High Court and the Lahore High Court.

He said he had decided more than 23,000 cases during his service. Daily Pakistan Urdu reported that he had served at both courts, and Daily Times reported that he said he had disposed of the cases.

Justice Kayani raised objections to the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments. He wrote: "in my considered view, the changes introduced through the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments have compromised the independence and institutional integrity of the high courts."

He also said the executive has growing control over judicial institutions, including the appointment and transfer of judges. According to Daily Times, he said the suffering of ordinary litigants is deepening.

He said: "my conscience does not permit me to continue on the bench." He added: "the time has come for me to lay down my robes and return to legal practice." Both reports say he intends to work in law practice after leaving office.

Daily Pakistan Urdu reported that he had been transferred to the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court a day earlier. It said he had been moved from the Islamabad High Court to the Lahore High Court in April, along with other judges, and was due to retire on 11 February 2032.