ISLAMABAD, May 25: The apex body of lawyers, the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), on Friday called for ensuring transparency in the process of appointment of judges.

At a meeting held here with Vice Chairman Akhtar Hussain in the chair, the PBC passed a resolution proposing amendment in the judicial commission’s rules to provide that any member of the commission could suggest names of suitable persons for appointment as judges of the superior courts.

The resolution clearly shows that the PBC seeks an effective role in the process of judicial appointments.

It was noted that under the proposed amendment in the rules, copies of minutes of meetings of the judicial commission and its sub-committees be issued and supplied to its members representing the bar and the PBC as well.

It also suggested a “reasonable interval” of at least two weeks between meetings of the judicial commission and its sub-committees, enabling members of the sub-committee to give proper input of the bar as well to the judicial commission.

It said members of the judicial commission should be associated and consulted at the time of initiation and preparation of lists of persons to be considered for appointment as judges.

The PBC expressed its gratitude to the Chief Justice, the chairman, and members of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan for not taking into consideration the appointment of ad hoc and acting judges to be elevated to the Supreme Court in view of the sentiments expressed by the legal community.

It reiterated its commitment to the independence of judiciary and its role to the dispensation of justice on all issues of national importance, specially the integrity and sovereignty of the country, and expressed its full support to strengthen the judicial institution.

Pointing to the insufficient number of judges at the provincial high courts, and the resulting pendency of cases, the PBC appealed to the commission to hold frequent meetings for filling up the vacancies.

The PBC noted with concern the current situation in the Sindh High Court where at present only 14 judges were working against the sanctioned strength of 40. It said the situation was causing frustration not only among lawyers but also litigants.