QUETTA, Aug 16 Amanullah Kanrani of the Balochistan Bar Council has claimed that appointment of only the chief justice in the Balochistan High Court, and continued absence of other judges, has created a judicial crisis in the province.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, he said hearing of cases pertaining to enforcement of fundamental rights required a two-judge bench under Article 199, but since July 31 there was no such bench in the court.

He said that bail applications of those convicted by the Anti-Terrorism Court could be heard by two judges but delay in appointment of judges in place of 'PCO judges' who had resigned after the July 31 verdict of Supreme Court had affected the judicial process.

He called for early appointment of judges in the BHC so that pending cases could be disposed of.

Mr Kanrani said transparency and principles laid down in the Supreme Court verdict in the Al-Jihad Trust case should be followed in the appointment of judges.