Islamabad, November 14,2025: Justice Aminuddin Khan took oath on Friday as the first chief justice of Pakistan’s newly created Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), a day after the landmark 27th Constitutional Amendment formally came into effect.
The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, was attended by top civilian and military leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath in English, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza were present on stage alongside Justice Aminuddin.
Prominent political leaders, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani, and several federal cabinet members, also attended the event. The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran.
During his oath, Justice Aminuddin pledged to uphold the Constitution, fulfil his duties “without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” and adhere to the code of conduct prescribed by the Supreme Judicial Council. His appointment—made by President Zardari under Article 175A(3) read with Article 175C—took effect immediately upon the swearing-in.
The establishment of the FCC marks a pivotal step in Pakistan’s judicial reforms introduced through the 27th Amendment. Government officials say the new court is designed to reduce the Supreme Court’s caseload, expedite constitutional adjudication, and enhance institutional independence and transparency.
President Zardari has appointed six judges to serve on the FCC. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Law:
- Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi (SC)
- Justice Aamer Farooq (SC)
- Justice Ali Baqar Najafi (SC)
- Justice K.K. Agha (Sindh High Court)
- Justice Rozi Khan Barrech (Chief Justice, Balochistan High Court)
- Justice (retd) Arshad Hussain Shah
The initial strength of the FCC has been set through a presidential order; any future increase in judges will require parliamentary approval.
Later in the day, Chief Justice Aminuddin administered oaths to Justices Rizvi, Farooq and Najafi at the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
The swearing-in ceremonies were shifted multiple times due to last-minute procedural and administrative complications. Justice Aminuddin’s original oath was scheduled for Thursday morning but was delayed after the 27th Amendment Bill underwent a minor revision and had to be returned to the Senate for re-approval.
Additionally, plans for holding the FCC judges’ oath-taking at the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) were dropped after FSC judges reportedly objected to their sudden relocation to the IHC building. According to sources, the matter was raised with Chief Justice Afridi, prompting a change in venue.
The FCC is expected to begin functioning immediately, marking a significant restructuring of Pakistan’s constitutional judicial system.
