ISLAMABAD: In a historic move, Pakistan’s first-ever Special Parliamentary Committee, tasked with the appointment of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), convened its inaugural meeting at Parliament House on Tuesday. This 12-member committee, composed of both government and opposition representatives, faced a setback as members from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) boycotted the session.
The in-camera meeting saw attendance from nine committee members, with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirming that the required quorum was met, allowing the proceedings to continue. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the democratic process and mentioned efforts to persuade the absent PTI-SIC members to reconsider their decision.
The urgency of the meeting stems from the impending retirement of incumbent CJP Qazi Faez Isa on October 25. Under previous regulations, the senior puisne judge would automatically ascend to the position. However, recent amendments through the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill have altered this process. Now, the CJP will be appointed by the Special Parliamentary Committee based on recommendations from among the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court, requiring a two-thirds majority.
Following Justice Isa, the next senior judges are Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, and Justice Yahya Afridi. The committee’s composition reflects a cross-section of political representation, with members from major parties including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), and the aforementioned SIC.
As the committee works against the clock, it must finalize its nomination within three days of the CJP’s retirement, adhering to the stipulations outlined in the recent constitutional amendments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of these legal reforms, asserting they would facilitate quicker judicial resolutions for citizens. He pointed to the establishment of constitutional benches as a mechanism to enhance judicial efficiency.
However, the amendments have drawn criticism. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concerns regarding potential threats to judicial independence, particularly regarding the committee’s composition and the establishment of constitutional benches. HRCP Chairman Ahsan Iqbal Butt noted the need for greater transparency and public debate surrounding the legislative changes.
The opposition has raised allegations of coercion related to the passage of the 26th Amendment, stressing the importance of considering these claims seriously. The ongoing developments in this appointment process underscore the tensions between political factions and the implications for Pakistan’s judicial integrity.
