The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Saturday approved the draft Judicial Commission of Pakistan (Appointment of Judges) Rules 2024 with amendments during a session chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi.
Additionally, the commission, by majority vote, approved a six-month extension for the tenure of judges already nominated to the Supreme Court’s constitutional benches.
Key Developments
Last month, the JCP formed a seven-member constitutional bench under Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan for a two-month term, in line with the controversial 26th Amendment.
The commission held two consecutive sessions on Saturday at the Supreme Court in Islamabad. The first session focused on finalizing the proposed rules for judges’ appointments, while the second addressed extending the tenure of constitutional bench members.
The first session began at 11 a.m. and lasted eight hours, during which the commission thoroughly reviewed the draft regulations and public feedback. After extensive deliberations, the proposed rules were approved with modifications.
The second session granted a six-month extension to the constitutional bench judges by a majority vote.
Attendance
The first meeting was attended by:
- SC Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar (via video link), Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail
- Chief Justices of the Islamabad, Balochistan, Peshawar, Sindh, and Lahore High Courts
- Senior puisne judges of high courts
- Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, members of parliament, provincial representatives, and bar council officials
The second session included senior SC judges, the law minister, AGP, lawmakers, and other officials.
Background on the Judicial Commission
Under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the JCP comprises 13 members and is tasked with appointing judges to the Supreme Court, high courts, and Federal Shariat Court (FSC).
The commission, chaired by the CJP, includes:
- Three senior-most Supreme Court judges
- The most senior constitutional bench judge
- The federal law minister
- The attorney general of Pakistan
- Two senators and two MNAs
- A Supreme Court advocate with at least 15 years of experience, nominated by the Pakistan Bar Council (for two years)
- A parliamentarian (either a woman or a non-Muslim) nominated by the speaker (for two years)
This structure aims to ensure diverse representation and accountability in judicial appointments.
