Four SC judges urge CJP to delay new appointments, call for full court on amendments
Listen to article
Four Supreme Court judges have written to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi urging a delay in the appointment of new judges, Express News reported.
The letter, addressed to the chairman of the Judicial Commission, stressed the importance of forming a full court to address the issue of judicial appointments and the ongoing constitutional amendment case.
It expressed concern over the potential complications arising from the upcoming judicial appointments and their impact on the ongoing constitutional amendment case.
The judges who signed the letter include Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Ayesha Malik, and Justice Athar Minallah.
The judges highlighted that the constitutional bench hearing the 26th Amendment case should ideally be expanded into a full court. They cautioned that if new judges are appointed, it may lead to a dispute over the composition of the full court.
They also referred to a recent instance where three judges were transferred to the Islamabad High Court, necessitating their re-taking of the oath, in accordance with the Constitution.
In their letter, the judges emphasised the need for immediate attention to the constitutional amendment case, suggesting that it should be heard by a full court to ensure transparency and impartiality.
They pointed out that the case had already been delayed, and urged that before the next hearing of the case, any hasty appointments should be avoided. The judges also expressed concern that any appointments made at this stage could undermine public confidence in the judicial process.
They further raised the critical question of how the full court would be constituted if their request for a full court is granted. They also questioned whether the newly appointed judges would be included in the full court, and if not, whether the bench would still qualify as a true full court.
The letter also pointed out that if the current constitutional bench continues to hear the case, public trust in the judicial process might already be compromised, with concerns over "court-packing" emerging in the public's perception.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
CJP meets Muslim World League SG
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi called on Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Alissa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, to discuss the Islamic justice system and global challenges. In the blessed city of Mecca, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Alissa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, warmly received Justice Yahya Afridi, Chief Justice of Pakistan, on Tuesday at Mecca Saudi Arabia after completion of his Hajj pilgrimage, said a press release.
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Taxmen get more powers to target unregistered taxpayers
ISLAMABAD: The government, through the Finance Bill 2025-26, has proposed to grant extensive discretionary powers to tax officers and Commissioners to restrict the operations of bank accounts or transfer of immovable property for any individual who fails to register under the Federal Sales Tax Act. Arshad Shehzad, advocate of the Supreme Court, explained that the Finance Bill 2025-2026 intends to add new Sections 14AC, 14AD, and 14AE to the Act in order to promote sales tax registration and enhance economic documentation. According to the explanatory notes from the board, these provisions aim to strengthen enforcement measures, including restrictions on bank account operations, the transfer of immovable property, sealing of business premises, property seizure, and the appointment of a receiver to compel compliance from unregistered individuals. While this initiative appears to be directed at strengthening enforcement, it also bestows excessive discretionary powers upon tax officers. Shehzad argues that a comprehensive mechanism already exists under the law for compulsory registration, penal actions, and the recovery of sales tax, including default surcharges, penalties, and other consequences for non-registration. These additional measures would only grant more discretionary authority to tax officials and may lead to unnecessary conflicts. Shehzad emphasises that the implementation and enforcement of existing laws are far more important than introducing harsh, coercive measures repeatedly. Shehzad suggests that the government should focus on building confidence within the business community, utilising the database of unregistered individuals in a pragmatic manner to integrate new taxpayers into the tax system without creating an atmosphere of harassment. Any measure that create a negative perception among businesses could hinder growth and lead to capital flight; therefore, all such measures that threaten the confidence of businesses and trade should be avoided, he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Sister challenges Mahrang's detention in apex court
A sister of Baloch rights activist Dr Mahrang Baloch has approached the Supreme Court against an order of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) in her sister's detention case. A division bench of the BHC on April 15 dismissed Dr Mahrang's petition against her detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, 1960, stating that an alternative remedy was available to the activist in the shape of a representation. The bench had also converted the petition into a representation and directed its office to present it before the competent authority constituted for the purpose of deciding representations under the MPO. The petitioner, Nadia Baloch, contended that the BHC erred in holding that a petition could be filed before a court only after exhausting the option of filing a representation. The petition argued that the high court in its writ jurisdiction is competent to intervene and directly grant relief to a petitioner by determining the legality of an MPO order without the need of the detained person making a representation. It said that the BHC did not consider Dr Mahrang's right to file habeas corpus petition. "[This is her] high prerogative right and a constitutional remedy for all matters if illegal confinement," the petition said.
