Another member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has urged the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) to defer the Commission’s meeting called to consider the appointed of eight new judges to the Supreme Court, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Senator Ali Zafar on Sunday penned a letter to CJP Justice Yahya Afridi, a copy of which was also dispatched to all members of the JCP, requesting for the deferment of the Commission’s meeting until the decision in the 26th Constitutional Amendment case and resolution of the issue concerning appointment of judges in Islamabad High Court (IHC).
A couple of days ago four Supreme Court judges had written to Justice Yahya Afridi urging a delay in the appointment of new judges.
The letter, addressed to the chairman of the Judicial Commission, stressed the importance of forming a full court to address the issue of judicial appointments and the ongoing constitutional amendment case. It expressed concern over the potential complications arising from the upcoming judicial appointments and their impact on the ongoing constitutional amendment case.
The judges who signed the letter included Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Ayesha Malik, and Justice Athar Minallah.
The judges highlighted that the constitutional bench hearing the 26th Amendment case should ideally be expanded into a full court. They cautioned that if new judges are appointed, it may lead to a dispute over the composition of the full court.
They also referred to a recent instance where three judges were transferred to the Islamabad High Court, necessitating their re-taking of the oath, in accordance with the Constitution.
In their letter, the judges emphasised the need for immediate attention to the constitutional amendment case, suggesting that it should be heard by a full court to ensure transparency and impartiality.
Reporter Amanat Gishkori