Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi was sworn in as the acting Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Tuesday during a formal ceremony held at the FCC Branch Registry in Karachi. Justice Kareem Khan Agha administered the oath in the presence of judges, officers, and officials of the court.
Reason for Acting Appointment
The appointment became necessary because the incumbent Chief Justice, Amin-ud-Din Khan, is currently on an official visit to Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation. He is attending an international legal conference focused on promoting judicial cooperation, exchanging legal expertise, and fostering dialogue on contemporary constitutional and legal issues. Justice Hassan will discharge the responsibilities of the chief justice during this absence, ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the court and the continued administration of constitutional justice.
Institutional Continuity
The oath-taking ceremony was conducted in accordance with established constitutional and institutional practices. According to court officials, the ceremony reflected the FCC’s steadfast commitment to institutional continuity, constitutional governance, and the rule of law.
Closure of Courts in Red Zone
Meanwhile, due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad and the difficulties likely to be faced by lawyers, litigants, and court officers and officials in attending the courts, no official work was conducted at the Federal Constitutional Court or the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday. Consequently, the cause lists of both courts were cancelled. However, all officers and staff were directed to work from home and not to leave the station. The four branch registries of the FCC remained open for judicial and administrative work.
