Islamabad, December 13, 2024: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has called for immediate amendments to the rules governing the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).
In a letter addressed to Justice Jamal Mandokhail, who heads the committee tasked by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to propose revisions to the JCP rules, Justice Mansoor emphasized the critical need for reforms in the process of appointing judges to constitutional benches.
Justice Mansoor asserted that appointments made under the existing rules would be unconstitutional, expressing hope that the draft of the revised rules would be presented during the upcoming JCP meeting scheduled for December 21.
Highlighting concerns about the judiciary’s current state, Justice Mansoor described it as facing one of the weakest periods in its history, with an increasing risk of executive intervention. He warned that the absence of clear rules could lead to external interference, further undermining the judiciary’s independence.
He urged that no meeting should be convened for judicial appointments until the rules are amended, pointing out that the 26th Constitutional Amendment has significantly increased the executive’s role in judicial appointments. Justice Mansoor stressed that establishing a balance between the judiciary and executive is essential to safeguard judicial independence.
“If a single appointment is made against the principles, public trust in the judiciary will erode,” he cautioned, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms to restore confidence in the judiciary and ensure a transparent appointment process.
