Chief Justice of Pakistan, Yahya Afridi, has declined Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s proposal for a full court hearing on petitions challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
During a Judicial Commission meeting chaired by CJP Afridi, Justice Shah suggested that the contentious amendment be addressed by a full bench. However, CJP Afridi opposed the idea, emphasizing that the constitutional bench committee, not the Judicial Commission, is tasked with determining the schedule and composition for hearing such cases.
Express News reported that the majority of commission members backed CJP Afridi’s stance. The meeting also addressed critical matters, including the nomination of judges to high courts and the formation of constitutional benches for the Supreme Court and Sindh High Court.
The debate extended to judicial appointment procedures, with members advocating for clear rules. It was agreed that a subcommittee should be formed to draft these rules, and CJP Afridi was authorized to establish and oversee the subcommittee.
CJP Afridi reiterated that the Judicial Commission lacks jurisdiction over discussions on the 26th Amendment, firmly positioning the responsibility within the constitutional committee’s purview.
