Justice Yahya Afridi
The Special Parliamentary Committee of Pakistan, for the first time in the country’s history tasked with appointing the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), has reached a consensus on nominating Justice Yahya Afridi as the next top judge.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced the decision, revealing that Justice Afridi, who ranks third on the seniority list, was selected by committee members with a two-thirds majority.
This significant development followed the initial in-camera meeting of the parliamentary panel, which included both government and opposition members.
However, members from the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), along with their allied Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), chose to boycott the meeting, necessitating a reconvening later in the evening.
The National Assembly Secretariat noted that the SIC had firmly decided against attending the session, despite attempts by a sub-committee, which included prominent figures like Ahsan Iqbal and Raja Pervez Ashraf, to persuade them to participate.
During interactions with SIC members, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan cited the PTI’s political committee’s resolution as the reason for their absence.
Ahsan Iqbal expressed disappointment over this decision, emphasizing the committee’s efforts to include all members in the discussion.
He confirmed that the committee had the necessary two-thirds majority to proceed with their decision regarding the CJP nomination, which would then be forwarded to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
Following the first round of meetings, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reported that nine members were present and engaged in the proceedings.
He noted that while the committee could continue without the opposition’s input, it remained committed to a democratic process that includes all perspectives.
Four committee members were tasked with reaching out to the PTI-SIC lawmakers to persuade them to reconsider their stance.
Time is of the essence for this appointment, as the current CJP, Qazi Faez Isa, is set to retire on October 25.
Changes brought about by the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill mean that the top judge will now be appointed based on recommendations from the Special Parliamentary Committee, with the process requiring a two-thirds majority.
Under the revised procedure, if the first nominee declines, the remaining senior judges will be considered. This amendment marks a shift from the previous system, where the senior puisne judge would automatically succeed the outgoing CJP.
The parliamentary committee comprises members from various parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
In light of the judicial reforms championed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he stressed the importance of expediting justice for the public, indicating that these changes would enhance the legal system’s efficiency.
However, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) raised concerns about the implications of the 26th Amendment, fearing it could undermine judicial independence.
The HRCP expressed apprehensions regarding the potential for political influence over constitutional benches and emphasized the need for careful public discourse on such significant legislative changes.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
