The Federal Constitutional Court reached another milestone on Friday as three newly appointed judges took oath during a formal ceremony at the Islamabad High Court (IHC). The oath was administered by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan, who himself assumed office earlier this week as the court’s first-ever chief justice, marking a historic moment in Pakistan’s judicial evolution.
The judges sworn in include Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Amir Farooq, and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi. Their appointment brings the court closer to full operational capacity, with three of the six notified judges now officially in office.
The ceremony drew significant attendance from the legal community, including senior judges, bar representatives, and government law officers. The event was seen as a symbolic step toward strengthening the newly established constitutional court’s foundations.
Judicial and Legal Figures Attend Oath Ceremony
A number of prominent judicial personalities were present to witness the oath-taking. These included:
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Justice Arbab Tahir
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Justice Khadim Soomro
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Justice Muhammad Azam Khan
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Justice Muhammad Asif
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Justice Inam Amin Minhas
High-ranking legal officials such as Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan and Punjab Advocate General Amjad Pervez also attended. Leaders from the Islamabad High Court Bar Association — including President Wajid Gilani and Secretary Manzoor Jajja — were among the participants.
However, five judges of the IHC were notably absent: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq, and Justice Saman Riffat.
Appointments, Absences, and Leadership of the New Court
The federal government recently issued the formal notification for the appointment of six judges to the Federal Constitutional Court. Apart from the three who took oath, the remaining appointees include:
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Justice Karim Khan Agha
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Justice Rozi Khan
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Arshad Hussain of the Peshawar High Court
Earlier the same day, Justice Aminuddin Khan was sworn in as the first chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court in a ceremony administered by President Asif Ali Zardari. The event was attended by senior civil and military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, federal ministers, and other dignitaries. The president, prime minister, and deputy prime minister all congratulated Justice Aminuddin Khan on assuming the historic office.
According to sources, Justice Aminuddin Khan will preside from Courtroom No. 1 at the Islamabad High Court, while IHC Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar will move to Courtroom No. 2.
Meanwhile, Justice Musarrat Hilali of the Supreme Court has declined the offer to serve as a judge of the Constitutional Court, reportedly due to health concerns.
