ISLAMABAD: The Ju­­d­icial Commis­sion of Pak­is­tan (JCP) on Thursday nominated Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi for the constitutional benches of the Supreme Court by majority of its total membership.

Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, the meeting of the commission was held for considering the nomination of two judges for the constitutional benches of the Supreme Court here at the conference room of the Supreme Court.

In February last, the JCP had expanded the stren­gth of the constitutional benches to 13 members by adding five more judges to its strength. Now, after the addition of two more judges, the strength of constitutional benches has swelled to 15 judges.

During Thursday’s meeting eight members voted in favour of Justice Aqeel Abbasi, while Justice Ali Baqir Najafi received seven votes.

After addition of two judges, the strength of constitutional benches has swelled to 15

An informed source confided that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Barrister Syed Ali Zafar and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan were of the view that rules should be made first for the nomination of judges for the constitutional ben­ches and then the nominations should be made.

Justice Mandokhail and the CJP did not participate in the voting process for Justice Ali Baqir Najafi and Justice Aqeel Abbasi.

The inclusion of Justice Aqeel Abbasi in the constitutional benches was made in view of pending tax cases before the constitutional benches.

Full court meeting

Meanwhile a full court meeting of the Supreme Court was held to discuss the proposal of revising the legal/professional fees for counsel appointed at the state expense.

Other agenda includes recommendations of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) about the enrolment of former judges of high courts as advocates of the Supreme Court, the matter of Right to Access to Information, Asset Declaration process and the draft Supreme Court Rules, 2025.

The meeting was attended by all judges of the Supreme Court which was aimed at enhancing the administrative efficiency and smooth functioning of the court.

During the meeting, judges gave their candid and valuable input. The forum specially appreciated the work of the Supreme Court Rules Amendment Committee and the office of the Registrar. The committee unanimously agreed to hold the next Full Court meeting soon to support the reform process initiated in the Supreme Court.

Acting CJP

Senior puisne judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah may take the oath as Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan since the CJP is leaving for China to attend a judicial conference on April 20 for a week.

Justice Shah may take the oath on April 21 which will be administered by Justice Munib Akhtar.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2025