The legal fraternity in Islamabad is witnessing sharp divisions over the proposed relocation of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) from its current Constitution Avenue premises to its former building in G 10. As consultations intensified on Thursday, the debate has grown more heated, drawing strong reactions from various bar associations.

The Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) has firmly opposed the relocation plan and is actively working to ensure that the IHC continues functioning from its existing building. The current premises also house the newly established Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which was initially shifted there on a temporary basis but is now expected to continue its operations in the same building. This overlap has further fueled concerns among the legal community.

In response to the growing uncertainty, the IHCBA held an executive body meeting and announced a press conference scheduled for Friday. A day earlier, IHCBA President Syed Wajid Ali Gillani and Secretary Manzoor Ahmed Jajja met Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to discuss the issue. According to the IHCBA, the minister assured them that the high court would remain in its current building for the time being, offering temporary relief to concerned lawyers.

On the other hand, the Islamabad District Bar Association (IDBA) has expressed support for shifting the high court back to G 10. During a cabinet meeting chaired by its president Naeem Gujjar, the IDBA stated that relocating the court would make legal proceedings more accessible for lawyers and facilitate the production of prisoners, potentially improving the efficiency of the justice system.

Emphasizing the need for broader consultation, the IDBA has called for a general body meeting on November 22 to gather the collective opinion of the legal community. All members have been urged to participate and contribute to the decision making process.

In a separate development, an IHCBA delegation met Federal Constitutional Court Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan and other judges. Led by President Gillani and Secretary Jajja, the delegation presented bouquets to the judges and congratulated them on assuming office at the newly formed court, reflecting a gesture of goodwill amid ongoing institutional debates.