ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A 12-member Special Parliamentary Committee convenes at 4 PM Tuesday, to determine the next Chief Justice of Pakistan, following the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on October 25.
Formed under Article 175A of the recent 26th Constitutional Amendment, this committee includes representatives from various political parties, ensuring proportional representation based on parliamentary strength.
The committee’s meeting will be conducted in-camera to discuss nominations from among the three senior most judges of the Supreme Court: Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, and Justice Yahya Afridi.
This process must conclude swiftly, as the committee is tasked with sending its nominee to the Prime Minister, who will subsequently forward the name to the President for appointment. The urgency is underscored by the need to finalize the nomination within three days prior to the Chief Justice’s retirement.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism regarding the 26th Amendment, describing it as a milestone in the nation’s history that will foster unity and progress. The parliamentary process, initiated immediately following the amendment’s passage, underscores the significance of this appointment in shaping the judiciary’s future. With the coalition government holding a two-thirds majority in the committee, the nomination is expected to be finalized swiftly during this initial meeting.
The committee’s formation follows previous criticisms regarding judicial appointments in Pakistan, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the process. The amendments serve to reform the way judicial leadership is appointed, reflecting a commitment to strengthening the rule of law in the country.
As the meeting unfolds, all eyes will be on the outcome and how it will impact the judicial landscape in Pakistan in the coming years. The selection of the new Chief Justice is poised to have significant ramifications, not only for the judiciary but also for broader governance and legal reforms in the nation.
