LHC judge Raheel Kamran Sheikh resigns

Lahore High Court judge Muhammad Raheel Kamran Sheikh resigned on September 3, 2023, citing his desire to engage more broadly in legal scholarship, policy research, and comparative judicial practices. In his resignation letter, addressed to the president, Sheikh stated that he was stepping down from his position "with immediate effect."

He expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving in the court and acknowledged the contributions he made to the administration of justice. Sheikh highlighted that his tenure on the bench had been both formative and fulfilling. However, after careful reflection, he concluded that his future growth as a jurist and his ability to contribute to the rule of law and access to justice would be better served by a period of broader engagement in legal scholarship, policy research, and comparative judicial practices.

Sheikh appreciated the guidance and wisdom of his senior colleagues and expressed sincere gratitude to his staff for their dedicated assistance. He reiterated his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. Known for his outspoken nature, Sheikh was appointed to the Lahore High Court in May 2021 during the tenure of Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed.

Prior to his appointment, he was a member of the Pakistan Bar Council and had filed petitions for increased transparency in the Supreme Judicial Council and the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. His appointment to the LHC reportedly faced opposition from certain quarters within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government. Sheikh had also voiced concerns during a full court meeting about the early disposal of bail matters involving female political prisoners affiliated with the PTI.

Some senior LHC judges reportedly disagreed with his remarks. There were also rumors that the executive might seek to transfer several LHC judges, including Sheikh, to other high courts.