Web Desk; Lawyers’ bodies across Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar over his recent remarks directed at lawyer and rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, demanding his removal from office.
The controversy stemmed from a heated courtroom exchange on Thursday, followed by a clarification from Justice Dogar the next day.
During Thursday’s hearing of a case involving a citizen, Abdul Jabbar, who had petitioned for the removal of his name from the Exit Control List (ECL), Justice Dogar warned Mazari of possible contempt proceedings.
Reports suggested he went further, allegedly making remarks implying he could “get hold of her.” His comments sparked outrage within the legal fraternity and were widely criticized as inappropriate and sexist.
Responding to the backlash, Justice Dogar clarified on Friday that his words had been taken “out of context.” He insisted that he regarded Mazari as “just like a daughter” and was only attempting to make her understand the court’s position.
“As chief justice and an elder, I was explaining things to her. Unfortunately, a storm has brewed up from remarks presented out of context,” he said. He further maintained that while Mazari had a right to disagree with his judgments, her criticism should not have been personal.
However, Justice Dogar denied ever threatening to “get hold of” Mazari. He explained that he had merely advised her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, to take her aside or risk contempt proceedings being initiated. But Chattha later rejected the clarification, accusing the judge of dishonesty and misconduct, and asserting that the disputed remarks had indeed been made.
Mazari, who has been outspoken in her criticism of state authorities, took to social media after the hearing. She asserted that she appeared in court as a lawyer representing her client, not as an activist, and expected professional conduct from the bench.
Following Dogar’s clarification, she again accused him of harassment, labelling his comments “sexist” and stressing: “I am not his daughter or a child — I am a professional lawyer.”
The episode drew swift condemnation from multiple bar associations. The Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) issued a statement denouncing Dogar’s behaviour as “dictatorial” and a violation of judicial ethics. It called upon the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to remove him from his position, emphasising that respect between judges and lawyers must be mutual.
The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) also criticised the IHC chief justice, warning that his remarks undermined the sanctity of judicial proceedings and intimidated members of the bar. The association stressed that lawyers must be allowed to perform their duties without harassment or fear. Similar condemnations were issued by the Balochistan Bar Council, which echoed calls for the SJC to take disciplinary action.
In addition, a group of female lawyers issued a separate statement denouncing Justice Dogar’s comments as sexist and threatening, reflecting what they described as a “deeply patriarchal attitude.” They argued that contempt laws should protect the administration of justice, not serve as tools of intimidation.
The controversy has now ignited a wider debate about judicial conduct, bar-bench relations, and the boundaries of accountability for members of the superior judiciary.
