ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan is set to hear a petition challenging the extension of the army chief’s tenure on November 20. A seven-member constitutional bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, will preside over the case.
The following day, November 21, the same bench will hear a separate petition questioning the establishment of an audio leaks commission.
Composition of the Bench
The constitutional bench includes:
- Justice Aminuddin Khan (Head)
- Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel
- Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar
- Justice Ayesha Malik
- Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi
- Justice Musarrat Hilali
- Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan
Details of the Cases
- Army Chief’s Tenure Extension:
The petition, filed by Mahmoud Akhtar Naqvi, challenges the recent legislative amendment extending the terms of the chiefs of Pakistan’s armed forces from three to five years. The bill was passed by parliament earlier this month and signed into law by Acting President Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. - Audio Leaks Commission:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, among others, filed the petition against the formation of a commission tasked with investigating leaked audio recordings allegedly involving political and judicial figures.
Recent Developments
The legislative amendment extending the tenure of the armed forces’ chiefs has drawn attention as it marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s military leadership policy. Additionally, controversies surrounding the audio leaks commission have raised questions about its formation and scope of authority.
Both cases are likely to have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s governance and institutional accountability.
