KP amends judicial rules 2001, removes experience requirement for civil judges

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has amended the Judicial Rules 2001, introducing changes that critics say could undermine the independence of the civil judiciary.

According to an official notification issued on Wednesday, the government abolished the condition of a minimum two years of experience as a legal practitioner for appointment as a civil judge.

 The amendment allows fresh law graduates to be appointed as civil judges without prior professional experience.

In addition, the seniority principle for the appointment of civil judges has also been removed under the revised rules.

Previously, seniority played a key role in judicial appointments, ensuring a structured and merit-based progression within the judiciary.

Legal circles have expressed concern over the changes, terming them an attempt to subordinate the civil judiciary and weaken established safeguards. However, government sources maintain that the amendments aim to streamline the appointment process and address administrative challenges.