Pakistan
Supreme Court notifies new Judicial Council
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a formal notification announcing the constitution of a new Judicial Council, to be led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi.
According to the notification, Federal Constitutional Court Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan will serve as the council’s second senior member. The council will also include Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Hassan Rizvi, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail. Justice Mandokhail’s nomination was jointly made by CJP Afridi and CJ Aminuddin Khan after mutual consultation — a rare display of consensus in recent judicial appointments.
Justice Mandokhail has been assigned several key responsibilities in recent months, including membership in the Supreme Court’s Practice and Procedure Committee. The notification also confirms that Justice Aamer Farooq of the Federal Constitutional Court has been inducted into the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has constituted a three-member full bench to hear petitions challenging the 27th Constitutional Amendment. LHC Chief Justice Alia Neelam formed the bench, appointing Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan as its head, with Justice Jawad Hassan and Justice Sultan Tanveer as members.
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Petitioners argue the amendment undermines the Supreme Court’s authority by effectively transforming it into a “Federal Constitutional Court,” thereby altering the judicial structure guaranteed under the Constitution. They contend the move threatens judicial independence and is incompatible with Islamic provisions, fundamental rights, and the constitutional promise of judicial autonomy.
The petitions further maintain the amendment was enacted without provincial consultation or meaningful input from lawyers, civil society, journalists, or other stakeholders — making the legislative process flawed and non-inclusive.
The pleas request the Lahore High Court to declare the 27th Amendment null and void and to issue a stay order halting its implementation until a final verdict is reached.
