Judicial Commission
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development within Pakistan’s judiciary, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has approved the elevation of Justice Ali Baqar Najafi of the Lahore High Court to the Supreme Court (SC).
The decision was made during a crucial meeting of the JCP, which was presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. The meeting lasted for over two and a half hours and involved detailed discussions about the available candidates.
Justice Najafi’s elevation was approved on the basis of a majority vote, reflecting a consensus among the commission members regarding his experience and suitability for the apex court.
Justice Najafi, known for his legal acumen and years of service at the Lahore High Court, was selected from among six senior judges whose names were under consideration for the Supreme Court slot.
Despite evaluating the qualifications and backgrounds of the other candidates, the commission did not finalize any additional names for appointment to the Supreme Court bench at this time.
In a parallel move, the JCP also approved the induction of four new members into the commission itself. Retired justices Maqbool Baqir, Nazir Lango, Shoukat Aziz Siddiqui, and Shakirullah Jan have been nominated to join the JCP, further strengthening its institutional capacity for future judicial appointments and evaluations.
These developments come shortly after a reshuffling in the Supreme Court’s seniority list, which has been updated following the swearing-in of six new justices.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has now assumed the position of the senior-most judge after Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, highlighting the ongoing evolution within the apex court’s hierarchy.
The oath-taking ceremony for the newly appointed Supreme Court judges was held at the SC building and administered by Chief Justice Afridi, marking the formal commencement of their roles at the highest level of Pakistan’s judicial system.
This wave of appointments reflects continued efforts to ensure judicial efficiency and reinforce the credibility of the legal system in Pakistan through the inclusion of seasoned and reputable figures.
