Judge who convicted Imran Khan was declared ‘unfit’ for judicial service by Supreme Court

Judge Nasir Javed Rana, who delivered the verdict in the Al-Qadir University case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi, was declared “unfit for judicial services” due to his intention of “mischief” after he sent a senior counsel into illegal detention in 2004.

On October 26, 2004, the Supreme Court of Pakistan withdrew the judicial power of Judge Nasir Javed Rana for granting a ten-day remand of a senior lawyer in violation of law. 

"The magistrate has a strong tendency for committing any mischief and is absolutely unfit for judicial service," former Chief Justice Nazim Hussain Siddiqui had written in a 14-page judgment.

The Chief Justice further observed that the magistrate deliberately misconducted himself by remanding a senior lawyer into police custody, thereby jeopardizing the sanctity of the court of law.

The ruling had been given on a suo-motu notice.

Sharing the documents of the two-decade-old verdict of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, senior journalist Hamid Mir wrote,  "This is a Supreme Court verdict against Judge Nasir Javed Rana in 2004. The Chief Justice of Pakistan took a suo motu action against Civil Judge Nasir Javed Rana, and his judicial powers were withdrawn."

Journalists expressed surprise over the hiring of Judge Nasir, given that he had already been declared unfit for judicial services.

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This is a Supreme Court verdict against Judge Nasir Javed Rana in 2004. Chief Justice of Pakistan took a Suo Motu action against civil judge Nasir Javed Rana and his judicial powers were withdrawn. He was declared unfit for judicial service but the same judge was hired again. pic.twitter.com/YwqgebQfXe

— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) January 17, 2025

Hamid Mir’s post came after Judge Nasir Javed Rana's judgment, convicting Imran Khan and his spouse to 14 years and seven years in prison, respectively, along with fines of Rs1 million for Imran Khan and Rs500,000 for Bushra Bibi.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) repeatedly questioned the credibility of the judge, raising concerns over his handling of the crucial Al-Qadir Trust case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.