A meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has been scheduled for June 11 to consider and approve new rules governing judicial appointments, according to sources. The session will be chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi.
Agenda and Rule-Making Committee
The agenda includes a review of the rules prepared by a five-member rule-making committee headed by Justice Aamer Farooq of the Federal Constitutional Court. The committee has finalized its recommendations, which propose a mechanism for conducting interviews of candidates for judicial positions. Sources indicated that once the JCP approves these rules, the formal process of appointing judges in the high courts will commence.
Interview Committee Composition
The June 11 meeting is also expected to decide on the composition of a proposed committee that would interview candidates seeking elevation to the superior judiciary. This matter was discussed in detail during a meeting of the JCP's Rule-Making Committee on May 6.
Constitutional Background
The rule-making committee was tasked with developing a mechanism for appointments in light of recent constitutional changes. The 27th Constitutional Amendment empowered the JCP to frame rules regulating its own procedures, including the procedure and criteria for the assessment, interview, evaluation, and fitness for appointment of judges.
Committee Members and Proposals
The Rule-Making Committee comprises Justice Aamer Farooq, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, Senator Farooq H Naek, Senator Syed Ali Zafar, and Pakistan Bar Council representative Ahsan Bhoon. During discussions, Senator Ali Zafar proposed that the entire JCP should interview each candidate when his or her nomination comes before the commission, arguing that such a process would ensure collective assessment by all members. Multiple proposals regarding interviews of prospective judges were debated by the committee members.
