With no replacements for the ousted judges, over three thousand cases remain pending at the BHC.— Photo from File

QUETTA The lack of judges has severely affected proceedings at the Balochistan High Court. For over twenty days, cases have been heard solely by the Chief Justice, DawnNews reported.

Sources say the Chief Justice has been working almost single-handedly after a landmark decision from the Supreme Court regarding the emergency imposed on November 3 declared the appointments of PCO judges unconstitutional.

Five judges had been hearing cases at the Balochistan High Court, but as they took oath under the PCO, they decided to resign.

There are 11 seats for judges in the Balochistan High Court out of which 10 are currently lying vacant. The seat of chief justice has been filled following the appointment of Qazi Faez Issa to the post on the 5th of August.

The non-appointment of judges has caused the number of petitions to pile up. Currently, the number of cases pending stands at nearly 3,000. — DawnNews