A full court meeting convened by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Friday did not discuss the recently enacted 27th Constitutional Amendment, according to a Supreme Court press release. The meeting, instead, focused on finalizing and approving the Supreme Court Rules, 2025, aimed at enhancing judicial efficiency and improving service delivery.
SC Rules 2025 Get Unanimous Approval
The press release stated that the full court unanimously updated the Supreme Court Rules, 2025, following recommendations from a committee comprising Justices Shahid Waheed, Irfan Saadat Khan, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi. The committee meticulously reviewed the Supreme Court Rules, 1980, addressing difficulties in implementing their provisions.
The updated rules are intended to ensure inexpensive and expeditious administration of justice. The meeting also approved the elevation of Muhammad Munir Paracha to Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, in accordance with the new rules. The court expressed its appreciation to the committee for their comprehensive review and drafting efforts.
Judges’ Letters on 27th Amendment Remain Pending
Despite the focus on SC Rules 2025, several judges had requested a discussion on the 27th Amendment, which was enacted into law yesterday. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar became the third SC judge to formally request a full court meeting to examine the amendment clause by clause, citing potential conflicts with constitutional provisions such as Articles 175, 175A, 189, 190, 191, and 209, which concern the judiciary’s independence and structure.
Earlier, Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, who resigned following the amendment’s passage, had urged the CJP to convene either a full court meeting or a judicial conference. Justice Shah described the amendment as a potential political maneuver to weaken the judiciary, while Justice Minallah called for an open institutional dialogue to address threats to judicial independence and restore public trust.
Additionally, senior lawyer Faisal Siddiqui, supported by former judges, requested that the CJP take a firm stand on the matter, emphasizing the need for institutional dialogue before Parliament enacts amendments affecting the judiciary.
