In a significant administrative move, Pakistan's newly established Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has formally relocated to its permanent headquarters in Islamabad. The court, which began operating just over a month and a half ago, has now moved into the renovated building of the Federal Shariat Court (FSC).
A Formal Inauguration Marks the Move
The official inauguration ceremony was held on Monday, presided over by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan. He was joined by other judges of the FCC for the event. The ceremony saw the attendance of high-profile legal figures, including Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, underscoring the importance of the court's establishment.
The shift concludes a period of temporary arrangements for the Federal Constitutional Court. Since its formation on November 18, the court had been functioning from makeshift facilities within the Islamabad High Court (IHC) building. The move to the FSC building, confirmed by a notification on December 11, was part of the original plan but faced delays due to initial objections from judges of the Federal Shariat Court.
Operational Shift and Logistical Hurdles
With the relocation now complete, the operational dynamics of Islamabad's judicial complex have changed. The Federal Shariat Court will now operate from the Islamabad High Court building. Meanwhile, three benches of the FCC have already commenced hearing cases at their new location. Notably, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Khan is adjudicating super tax cases.
Despite settling into a permanent home, the Federal Constitutional Court continues to face significant logistical challenges, primarily a critical shortage of staff. To support its functions, the Supreme Court has sanctioned the transfer of only 20 officials. The court's workforce has been bolstered by the transfer of 40 judicial officers from the Punjab judiciary and the induction of some retired Supreme Court officials.
A Massive Caseload Transferred
The FCC has inherited a substantial workload from its inception. Officials reported that 22,910 cases have been transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court from the Supreme Court's total docket of 56,608 cases. This massive transfer underscores the court's immediate and vital role in Pakistan's judicial system, established under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The completion of renovation work at the FSC building, which lasted several weeks, has finally provided the FCC with a dedicated space. During the interim period before the move, several FCC judges, including the Chief Justice, conducted their work from chambers located in the Supreme Court building.
