ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s request falls under Article 184(3) of the Constitution. Consequently, the matter has been referred to the relevant committee and will be addressed by the constitutional bench.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, CJP Afridi said, “I have asked the committee to review the letter and make a decision.” He clarified that the request had been forwarded to the judges’ constitutional committee, which would determine the appropriate course of action. “Since the matter pertains to Article 184(3), it must be handled by the constitutional bench,” he added.
The chief justice also disclosed that the decision to refer the PTI founder’s letter to the committee had been made a day earlier.
CJP Briefs IMF Delegation on Judicial Reforms
CJP Afridi’s remarks came following a one-hour meeting with a six-member delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the Supreme Court. During the meeting, he briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s judicial system, ongoing reforms, judicial appointments, and constitutional amendments.
He emphasized that the judiciary operates independently under the Constitution and clarified that it was not the judiciary’s role to provide the IMF with all the details it sought.
“I informed the delegation about the agenda of the National Judicial Policy-Making Committee (NJPMC). The supervision of subordinate courts falls under the jurisdiction of high courts,” he noted.
The IMF delegation expressed interest in Pakistan’s adherence to agreements and property rights. In response, CJP Afridi assured them that judicial reforms were underway. He further revealed that the delegation had offered suggestions regarding the protection of property rights, to which he responded that their recommendations would be considered. “Special benches will be formed in high courts to expedite hearings,” he added.
The chief justice also highlighted the IMF’s concerns about the protection of foreign investments in Pakistan. He acknowledged the need for technological advancements in the judiciary, stating, “We would require artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance judicial efficiency.”
Emphasizing transparency, CJP Afridi stated that the public has the right to be informed about the IMF delegation’s visit to the Supreme Court.
Additionally, he disclosed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sent him a letter conveying the IMF’s concerns. However, instead of responding in writing, the chief justice conveyed a message through the attorney general, inviting the prime minister to visit the court along with the IMF delegation.
