President Asif Ali Zardari has signed summaries for the appointment of additional judges to high courts across Pakistan, resolving a weeks-long impasse that had prompted legal challenges and court intervention.
The President signed summaries for the appointment of 19 additional judges to various high courts, according to Express News. The resolution came after special efforts by Dr. Syed Tawqeer Shah, Advisor to the Prime Minister, and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The President signed summaries for:
- Lahore High Court: 10 additional judges appointed, plus confirmation of one additional judge
- Sindh High Court: 3 additional judges appointed and extension for one additional judge
- Islamabad High Court: 3 additional judges appointed
- Peshawar High Court: 4 additional judges confirmed
- Balochistan High Court: 3 additional judges appointed
The President also signed summaries regarding Supreme Court judges’ salaries, allowances and pensions to bring them at par with the Federal Constitutional Court, as well as amendments to the High Court Leave, Pension and Privileges Order 1997.
The appointment summaries had been pending since the Judicial Commission’s meetings on July 20 and 21, which recommended 19 additional judge appointments, confirmations for 5 additional judges, and an extension for one judge.
The delay had prompted a petition in the Islamabad High Court, which on Monday sought reports from the federal government and Law Ministry on the status of the long-pending summary. The court had expressed strong displeasure over the delay and questioned the government’s handling of the matter.
The resolution came after Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tawqeer Shah and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq played a key role in facilitating the agreement.
Additionally, the President approved the appointment of Haroon Akhtar as Advisor to the Prime Minister for Industry and Production.
With the President’s approval, oath-taking ceremonies for the newly appointed judges are expected to take place shortly. The Islamabad High Court petition challenging the delay is now likely to become ineffective following the resolution of the matter.
Conclusion
The signing of the judges’ appointment summaries marks the end of a constitutional impasse that had raised concerns about judicial appointments and the separation of powers. The swift resolution, facilitated by key political figures, ensures the high courts can function with full judicial strength.
