President Asif Ali Zardari has officially appointed Justice Yahya Afridi as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, marking a significant moment in the nation’s judicial history. According to the statement released by the President’s House, Justice Yahya Afridi will assume the role for a term of three years starting from October 26. The President also confirmed that Justice Afridi would take his oath of office on the same date, solidifying his appointment to one of the most crucial positions in Pakistan’s legal system.
This appointment was made in accordance with Articles 175 A (3), 177, and 179 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which outline the procedures for the selection and appointment of the Chief Justice. Justice Afridi was selected by a special parliamentary committee with a two-thirds majority vote, reflecting widespread support for his leadership within the judiciary. Despite some opposition, with one vote cast against his nomination, the decision to appoint Justice Afridi signals a new chapter in Pakistan’s judicial landscape.
A Transparent Nomination Process
The nomination of Justice Yahya Afridi as Chief Justice of Pakistan was a transparent and democratic process, which involved the special parliamentary committee responsible for judicial appointments. This committee, led by Federal Law Minister Nazir Tarar, nominated Justice Afridi by a decisive two-thirds majority. The committee’s recommendations were then forwarded to Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar for final approval, before being submitted to President Zardari for formal appointment.
The process, however, was not without its challenges. A meeting of the Special Parliamentary Committee was held behind closed doors at Parliament House, where 12 members were present. Despite a boycott by members of the Sunni Ittehad Council, including Barrister Ali Zafar, Barrister Gohar, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza, the meeting proceeded with all other members in attendance. These absences did not hinder the proceedings, as the quorum was met, and the committee reached a consensus to endorse Justice Afridi’s nomination.
Who is Justice Yahya Afridi?
Justice Yahya Afridi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role as Chief Justice of Pakistan. Born on January 23, 1965, in Dera Ismail Khan, Afridi has a distinguished academic and professional background. He completed his LLM degree from Jesus College, Cambridge University, under a Commonwealth Scholarship, which provided him with a strong foundation in legal studies. His educational journey and international exposure prepared him for the extensive and varied legal career that followed.
Afridi began his career in 1990 as a High Court advocate and continued to build his reputation as a skilled legal professional. By 2004, he had ascended to the role of advocate in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. His dedication and legal acumen led to his appointment as Assistant Advocate General for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a position that marked the beginning of his formal judicial career.
Judicial Career and Accomplishments
Justice Yahya Afridi’s judicial career has been marked by notable appointments and significant cases. In 2010, he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Peshawar High Court, and just two years later, on March 15, 2012, he became a Permanent Judge of the High Court. His exemplary work in the judiciary earned him further recognition, and on December 30, 2016, Justice Afridi took his oath as Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court.
Afridi’s role as Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court demonstrated his commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law. His tenure was marked by impartial decision-making and a focus on improving the judicial system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On June 28, 2018, his legal journey reached new heights when he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
During his time at the Supreme Court, Justice Afridi handled a range of important cases that tested the boundaries of Pakistan’s legal framework. He was part of the larger bench that heard the case concerning the reserved seats of the Sunni Ittehad Council, a significant legal battle that had implications for political representation in Pakistan. Afridi is also known for his dissenting notes in judgments, which reflect his independent thought and commitment to the principles of justice.
A New Chapter in Pakistan’s Judiciary
Justice Yahya Afridi’s appointment as Chief Justice of Pakistan comes at a time when the judiciary faces several challenges, including delays in case resolutions and increasing public scrutiny. His extensive experience, both in the legal profession and on the bench, makes him well-equipped to lead the judiciary in addressing these challenges. His track record of fair and impartial judgments, coupled with his focus on judicial reforms, indicates that he will bring a forward-thinking and balanced approach to the role of Chief Justice.
One of the key tasks ahead for Justice Afridi will be managing the growing workload of the Supreme Court, ensuring that cases are heard in a timely manner, and working to restore public confidence in the judiciary. His leadership style, based on his previous roles, suggests that he will prioritize transparency and accountability within the court system. His academic background and international exposure may also guide him in modernizing aspects of the legal framework and enhancing the capacity of the judiciary.
The appointment of Justice Yahya Afridi as the Chief Justice of Pakistan marks a pivotal moment for the country’s legal system. His vast experience, legal expertise, and commitment to justice make him an ideal candidate for this role. As he steps into this new position, Justice Afridi will face the monumental task of guiding Pakistan’s judiciary through a critical period of transformation and reform. His appointment has been met with optimism, and many hope that his leadership will bring about positive changes in the nation’s legal landscape.
