ISLAMABAD: Justice Musarrat Hilali of the Supreme Court has declined the offer to join the newly established Constitutional Court. According to sources, she refused the position due to ongoing health concerns. Her decision came as the new constitutional framework continued to reshape the country’s judicial structure. Justice Hilali’s recusal removed her name from consideration for a key judicial role.
Justice Aminuddin Khan Takes Oath as First FCC Chief Justice
Meanwhile, Justice Aminuddin Khan formally assumed office as the first Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court. President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath during a ceremony in Islamabad. Field Marshal Asim Munir and several federal ministers also attended the event. The ceremony marked an important step in implementing the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The Law Ministry issued the official notification confirming his appointment on Thursday night. The notification followed the president’s approval, which came on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Justice Aminuddin Khan will now oversee the functioning of the new court and guide its early judicial work.
Two Supreme Court Judges Resign
In a major parallel development, Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah tendered their resignations on Thursday. They sent their letters directly to President Zardari. Their resignations increased uncertainty within the higher judiciary during a sensitive constitutional transition.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah submitted a 13-page resignation letter. He sharply criticised the 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a severe blow to the Supreme Court. He wrote that the changes amounted to an attack on the Constitution. He argued that the amendment had weakened judicial independence and damaged the institution’s credibility.
Justice Shah Voices Deep Disappointment
Justice Shah wrote that the amendment had placed the judiciary under government influence. He stated that justice had become distant from the common citizen. He also expressed sadness that the last hope for judicial independence had been compromised. His resignation included verses by the celebrated poet Ahmed Faraz. These lines reflected his disappointment and the emotional weight of his decision.
His departure, along with Justice Minallah’s resignation, raised serious concerns within legal circles. Their resignations came shortly after the creation of the Federal Constitutional Court. They also followed debates over the amendment’s impact on judicial authority.
