Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali has explained his position regarding appointment of judges during July 28 meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

AGP Ausaf Ali said that some section of media was attributing false news to him. “My stance in July 28 meeting of JCP was clear as I suggested that first amend the law and then appoint judges,” he added.

Late last night, the AGP office issued a letter which was circulated to press and members of the JCP. Ausaf Ali maintained that he categorically agreed with the stance put forward by Justice Tariq Masood.

He said that he agreed with the views of Justice Tariq Masood and suggested that judges’ appointment be made on merit. 

“We find ourselves in these rather transient offices as fiduciaries: our duty is to the republic we serve, not the travails of our personal experiences. To ensure the dispensation of justice, it is vital that the most outstanding jurists be elevated to the august Supreme Court of Pakistan, in a manner that is rooted in merit and process,” the AGP stated. 

Mr Ausaf Ali also suggested that the Judicial Commission proceedings should be held in cordial atmosphere without any acrimony. He said that Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah was “eminently qualified to be considered for elevation to the apex court”.

The AGP said that Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial’s abrupt announcement regarding conclusion of the JCP session when Justice Qazi Faez Isa was still speaking was surprising. 

Reporter Amanat Gishkori