ISLAMABAD: Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed a desire to bring about constitutional amendments to reform the traditional process of appointing judges to the Supreme Court and high courts, aiming to establish a more balanced system.
His comments were made during a meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, chaired by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, where discussions revolved around proposed changes to the 2010 rules.
Among the attendees was the law minister, who emphasized the need to end the automatic elevation of high court chief justices to the Supreme Court and the appointment of the most senior judge as chief justice of high courts.
He also criticized the diminished role of the Parliamentary Committee on Judicial Appointments following the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, stating it had become a mere “rubber stamp.”
Stressing the importance of balance in judge appointments, the minister hinted at considering proposals regarding the tenure of the chief justice, indicating a potential move towards fixed terms for the position.
Additionally, media reports suggested that the government was contemplating judicial reforms alongside defining the chief justice’s tenure. Reflecting on the past, the law minister noted the balance in judge appointments under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.
