ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has summoned a meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) for Friday to consider elevation of Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, acting Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, against two existing vacancies in the top court.

The meeting of the JCP, expected to be held at 3pm at the Supreme Court, may also consider suggestions to determine the criteria for appointing high court judges.

The meeting has been called after nominating Justice Irfan Saadat Khan to become the judge of the Supreme Court after the retirement of Jus­­tice Ahmed Ali Shei­­kh, who retired on Oct 2 as the SHC chief justice.

The existing strength of the Supreme Court is 15 judges against the sanctioned strength of 17 judges. In place of the acting SHC chief justice, Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, may be considered for his elevation as the SHC chief justice.

This is the first meeting to be presided over by CJP Qazi Faez Isa after assuming the office of the top adjudicator of the country.

The decision to fill the vacant post of the Supreme Court was necessitated in view of the present pendency in the top court which is almost touching at 57,000 cases as well as the rising institution of new cases.

Justice Irfan Saadat Khan meets the stipulated requirement for appointment as judge of the Sup­reme Court since he is experienced, versatile and knowledgeable judge with an upright character. Besides he was also the senior-most amongst chief justices and judges of all high courts.

According to Article 177(2) of the Constitution, a nominee to be elevated as the judge of the Supreme Court should have been a judge of the high court for a period not less than five years or has an experience of not less than 15 years as advocate of the high court.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2023