Pakistan's Parliament has successfully implemented the 26th Constitutional Amendment, establishing a new framework for judicial appointments and reforms after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including legal experts, researchers, and political representatives.
The parliamentary committee has nominated Justice Yahya Afridi as Chief Justice following a merit-based selection process, marking the first such appointment under the new system. The selection involved a thorough review of candidates' profiles and records, though the committee emphasized that all nominated judges were highly qualified for the position.
The amendment introduces significant changes to the judicial system, including the separation of constitutional and civil cases to expedite court proceedings. Legal experts indicate this segregation will help reduce case backlog and improve access to justice for citizens.
The reforms were approved following comprehensive discussions among all political parties, despite initial concerns on social media regarding judicial independence. The new framework aims to eliminate preferential appointments while maintaining judicial autonomy.
Under the new system, cases will be prioritized based on their nature, with separate handling of constitutional and civil matters. Legal experts suggest this streamlined approach will accelerate case resolution and enhance the efficiency of the judicial system.
The amendment represents a collaborative effort between various stakeholders, establishing a more transparent and efficient judicial system while maintaining checks and balances in the appointment process.
