ISLAMABAD, March 22 President Asif Ali Zardari appointed on Monday two Ulema as ad hoc members of Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and two Ulema as judges of the Federal Shariat Court.

“The appointments were made on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and on the advice of the Prime Minister under article 203F (3) of the Constitution,” president's spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.

Dr Fida Muhammad Khan and Dr Muhammad Al-Ghazali have been appointed members of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court.

Dr Khan has served as a judge of the Federal Shariat Court for 21 years. A PhD in Islamic law and jurisprudence, he has a number of publications, including translation of the Holy Quran into English, to his credit.

Dr Al-Ghazali holds a master's degree in Arabic and PhD in Islamic Studies. He also has many publications to his credit.

The president appointed Shahzado Shaikh and Mahmood Ahmed Ghazi as Ulema judges of the Federal Shariat Court, the spokesman said.

The FSC Chief Justice had earlier refused to administer oath to three judges appointed against his recommendations.