The Special Parliamentary Committee has nominated Justice Yahya Afridi to become the next Chief Justice of Pakistan. He will take over from Qazi Faez Isa when he retires on October 25, 2024. Justice Afridi, who is the third most senior judge in the Supreme Court, was chosen by a two-thirds majority vote from the committee.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed the committee’s decision, and Justice Afridi’s name has now been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Prime Minister will then forward the nomination to President Asif Ali Zardari for final approval.
This process follows the 26th constitutional amendment, which changed how the Chief Justice of Pakistan is selected. Instead of being decided solely by seniority or other traditional means, the appointment now goes through a parliamentary committee.
This committee includes members from both the National Assembly and the Senate, giving the process more political involvement and oversight.
Justice Afridi’s nomination reflects a broader effort to ensure that the appointment of key judicial figures involves a more democratic and transparent process. If approved, Justice Afridi will take on one of the most important legal roles in the country, overseeing Pakistan’s highest court and playing a critical part in shaping the country’s legal landscape.
