ISLAMABAD: The eight-member Parlia­men­tary Committee on Judges’ Appointments on Tuesday approved the unanimous approval given by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on June 14 to elevate Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Mussarat Hilali to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

With her elevation to the top court, the SC will have two women judges, the first being Justice Ayesha A. Malik, whereas the number of judges on the top court will increase to 16 out of a total sanctioned strength of 17.

Justice Hilali’s name was suggested by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court, in his letter dated May 2 to all JCP members, emphasising the need for an early meeting to fill two vacant offices of judges in the SC.

Justice Isa also greeted the Chief Justice of Pakistan for honouring his nomination.

Then, in his letter, Justice Isa had suggested the names of Sindh High Court Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh and PHC Chief Justice Musarrat Hilali.

Justice Isa’s letter also urged the immediate filling of the vacancies in the top court, recommending the nomination of judges in advance while considering the principle of seniority.

In addition to Justice Hilali, the body also approved the JCP’s recommendation for the extension of Justice Syed Muhammad Anwar’s term of service at the Federal Shariat Court.

Once the PC confirms the judges’ nominations, the names are forwarded to the prime minister, who subsequently sends them to the president for final approval.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2023