Special Parliamentary Committee Meets to Select Next Chief Justice of Pakistan
The newly appointed Special Parliamentary Committee (SPC) met to nominate the next Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) from among the three most senior Supreme Court judges. The meeting reconvened after failing to convince PTI-Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members to join.
CJP Qazi Faez Isa is set to retire on October 25. Under the newly enacted 26th Constitutional Amendment, the process of appointing the CJP has changed. Now, the CJP will be appointed based on the recommendation of the Special Parliamentary Committee from among the three most senior SC judges.
The committee, comprising members from different political parties, aims to send the nomination by tonight. If the first nominee declines, one of the remaining two will be nominated. If all three refuse, the next senior judge after them will be considered. The Karachi Bar Association has criticized the hasty passing of the Amendment.
PTI announced a boycott of the proceedings, leading to show-cause notices being issued. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed reservations regarding the impact of the 26th Amendment on judicial independence.
Overall, the selection of the next CJP remains a critical and contentious issue for Pakistan’s judiciary.
Key Points:
- Meeting held to select next CJP from three most senior SC judges
- 26th Constitutional Amendment changes process for appointing CJP
- PTI boycotts proceedings, issues show-cause notices
- HRCP expresses concerns over Amendment’s impact on judicial independence