“Judges Are Incompetent, Courts Have Died”: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani

Islamabad – Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani delivered scathing remarks about the state of the judiciary, declaring that judges are incompetent and courts have become defunct, while also making sarcastic comments about the legal profession during court proceedings.
In an unusual display of candor from the bench, Justice Kayani stated, “Judges are also incompetent and courts have also died,” expressing deep frustration with the current state of judicial affairs in the country.
The judge’s sharp criticism extended to a recent case where he commented on a lower court’s decision. “The bar itself dropped both lawyers at the jail. Without any legal basis, the judge gave a remarkable decision,” Justice Kayani remarked, highlighting what he perceived as an arbitrary judicial ruling that lacked proper legal foundation.
During the hearing, the judge made sarcastic observations about the bar association’s role in the matter. “How wonderful our bar is, they should be given a medal,” he stated, his remarks dripping with irony as he criticized the legal fraternity’s involvement in the case.
Justice Kayani’s outspoken comments have sparked discussions within legal circles about the challenges facing Pakistan’s judicial system. His remarks appear to reflect growing concerns about judicial independence, competence, and the overall functioning of courts.
The judge’s statement about courts being “dead” suggests a crisis of confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice effectively and independently. Such frank admissions from a sitting high court judge are rare and indicate deep systemic concerns.
Legal experts have expressed mixed reactions to Justice Kayani’s remarks. While some appreciate his honesty in highlighting genuine problems within the system, others worry that such statements from the bench could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.