ISLAMABAD: Justice Aminuddin Khan was sworn in on Friday as the first chief justice of Pakistan’s newly created Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), a day after the 27th Constitutional Amendment establishing the court was signed into law.
At the oath-taking ceremony in Islamabad, Justice Aminuddin pledged to “discharge [his] duties in accordance with the Constitution and the law” and abide by the Supreme Judicial Council’s code of conduct. His appointment, made by President Asif Ali Zardari under Article 175A read with Article 175C of the Constitution, took effect immediately upon the administration of the oath.
The creation of the FCC marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s judicial structure. Officials say the new court is intended to ease the Supreme Court’s caseload, ensure faster rulings in constitutional matters, and improve judicial independence and credibility — longstanding concerns within Pakistan’s justice system.
Six Judges Appointed to the New Court
President Zardari has also appointed six judges to the FCC. According to a notification issued by the law ministry, the judges include:
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Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi (Supreme Court)
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Justice Aamer Farooq (Supreme Court)
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Justice Ali Baqar Najafi (Supreme Court)
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Justice K.K. Agha (Sindh High Court)
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Justice Rozi Khan Barrech (Chief Justice, Balochistan High Court)
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Justice (retd.) Arshad Hussain Shah
The initial number of judges has been set through a presidential order. Any expansion in the FCC’s strength will require an act of Parliament.
At the ceremony in Aiwan-e-Sadr, Justices Rizvi, Farooq and Najafi took their oaths before Chief Justice Aminuddin.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza attended the event, along with top civilian leadership.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were seated on stage with Justice Aminuddin during the proceedings.
