ISLAMABAD: Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan took the oath as a Supreme Court judge in an official ceremony administered by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa at the apex court in Islamabad.
This appointment follows the approval of former President Arif Alvi, who sanctioned Justice Afghan’s transition from serving as the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court to becoming a judge in the Supreme Court, as outlined in Article 175(A) of the Constitution.
The move also triggered a subsequent development, with Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar slated to assume the role of acting Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court under Article 196 of the Constitution, after Alvi’s approval.
Last Friday, another significant appointment took place, with Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan being sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, following the ex-president’s approval.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan’s elevation to the Supreme Court increases the total number of judges to 14, with three vacant positions in the apex court. He joins a distinguished roster of justices, including Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and others such as Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, and Justice Ayesha Malik.
Born in 1963, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan holds degrees in Economics and Statistics and an LLB from Degree College Quetta and University Law College Quetta, respectively. Enrolling as an advocate of the Balochistan High Court in 1989 and the Supreme Court in 2001, he practiced law for 21 years across various jurisdictions, gaining expertise in criminal, civil, and constitutional cases reported in law journals.
Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan’s judicial career saw significant milestones, including his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Balochistan High Court in 2011, subsequent elevation to a judge in 2012, and ultimately assuming the position of Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court in 2021.
Throughout his career, he has held various roles, such as serving on the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee, chairing the Building Committee, and participating in the Committee for Utilization of Funds under the Provincial Judicial Development Fund (PJDF), among others.
I am an accomplished graduate of Strategic Studies, driven by a fervent dedication to comprehending global affairs and devising impactful strategies. Equipped with a comprehensive skill set encompassing research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication, I possess a distinctive viewpoint and an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive decision-making processes. As a versatile individual, I excel in collaborating with diverse groups in various settings, leveraging my strong interpersonal abilities to adapt seamlessly to new environments and surmount any challenges that arise. With a passion for contributing to strategic initiatives, I am eager to leverage my expertise and drive to effect positive change within the field.
