ISLAMABAD: The Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, has suggested that there may be a possibility of amending the constitution to bring changes in the traditional method of appointing judges to the Supreme Court and high courts. He emphasized the need to ensure a balance in the system.
This notion surfaced during a pivotal meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) convened under the stewardship of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The agenda revolved around proposed amendments to the commission’s 2010 rules, with the law minister among the notable attendees.
The proposed amendments seek to disrupt the long-standing practice of automatically elevating high court chief justices to the apex court and appointing the most senior judge as the chief justice of high courts.
In a notable statement, the federal minister expressed concern over the waning authority of the Parliamentary Committee on Judicial Appointments following the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, labeling its role as no more than a “rubber stamp.”
Highlighting the imperative for a balanced approach in judicial appointments, he indicated receptiveness to proposals circulating on social media regarding the tenure of the chief justice, though refrained from outright rejection.
Media reports suggest that the government is contemplating the introduction of a fixed term for the chief justice’s tenure alongside broader judicial reforms.
Additionally, the law minister underscored the significance of the 18th Amendment in introducing a semblance of equilibrium in judicial appointments, hinting at a trajectory towards recalibrating the current system.
