Judicial Commission of Pakistan recommends high court judges for Supreme Court

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) recently convened to discuss the elevation of three high court judges to the Supreme Court. The meeting, presided over by Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, put forth the names of Lahore High Court Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad, Sindh High Court Chief Justice Aqeel Abbasi, and LHC Justice Shahid Bilal for consideration to fill vacant seats in the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Isa had called for this meeting last month to address the vacancies in the Supreme Court. The JCP, established under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, plays a crucial role in appointing judges to the superior judiciary. The meeting was attended by JCP members, the Federal Minister for Law, and the Attorney General.

Currently, the Supreme Court has 14 judges, including the Chief Justice, out of the total sanctioned strength of 17 judges. The three vacant positions arose due to the retirement of former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial and the resignations of two other judges.

The recommendations made by the JCP mark a significant step towards ensuring a fully functional Supreme Court. With the proposed elevation of these experienced high court judges, the judiciary aims to maintain its integrity and efficiency in dispensing justice across the country.