Justices Masood, Miankhel sworn in as Supreme Court ad hoc judges

Justice (r) Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice (r) Mazhar Alam Miankhel have taken oath as ad hoc judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath to the ad hoc judges at a ceremony in Islamabad on Monday, which was attended by apex court justices, attorney general for Pakistan and senior lawyers.

The federal law ministry had already issued a notification confirming the appointment of these two ad-hoc judges to the Supreme Court for a one-year term. This decision follows President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval of their appointments.

The appointments, made under Article 182 of the Constitution, are intended to enhance the court’s capacity to deliver justice more efficiently.

Both Justice Tariq Masood and Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel bring extensive experience from their previous tenures in the Supreme Court. Justice Masood is noted for his work in constitutional and civil law, while Justice Miankhel is recognized for his contributions to criminal law and human rights.

The ad-hoc judges increased the apex court’s strength to 19, comprising 17 permanent and two ad-hoc judges. This mechanism, outlined in the Constitution of Pakistan, is designed to help manage the court’s caseload effectively.

Reporter Amanat Gishkori