The latest Pakistan Judicial Commission Decision marks an important milestone for the country’s judiciary as the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has unanimously recommended the appointment of permanent chief justices for the Sindh High Court (SHC) and Balochistan High Court (BHC). This decision comes at a time when major constitutional reforms are underway, highlighting the commitment to reinforcing judicial institutions and ensuring stable leadership across the courts.
Key Appointments Announced by the JCP
During its first meeting held after the 27th Constitutional Amendment and the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), the JCP approved the elevation of SHC Acting Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput and BHC Acting Chief Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail as permanent chief justices.
Chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi at the Supreme Court, the meeting focused on crucial judicial appointments. Another major development was the commission’s approval to elevate Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb — previously serving as an Islamabad High Court judge and now an acting Supreme Court judge — as a permanent judge of the Supreme Court. This appointment was endorsed through a majority vote, a clear reflection of the commission’s confidence in his judicial performance and experience.
Constitutional Committee for Draft Rules
A significant part of the Pakistan Judicial Commission Decision was the creation of a dedicated committee responsible for drafting rules under clause (20) of Article 175A of the Constitution. This committee includes:
- Justice Aamer Farooq (FCC)
- Attorney-General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan
- Senator Farooq Hamid Naek
- Senator Syed Ali Zafar
- Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon
This committee aims to introduce a transparent and structured approach to future judicial appointments through well-crafted constitutional rules.
Profile of Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput – New Chief Justice of SHC
Born on October 16, 1965, Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput has built an extensive and respected career in law. He graduated with an LLB from Government Jinnah Law College, Hyderabad, and later completed a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Sindh.
He began his professional journey in 1990 as an advocate with the Sindh Bar Council and became an advocate of the High Court in 2001. His judicial career started in 1993 when he was selected as a Judicial Magistrate. His consistent performance led to his promotion as Senior Civil Judge and Assistant Sessions Judge in 2000.
Justice Rajput was elevated to the Sindh High Court on August 31, 2013. Over the years, he served at several benches including Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Larkana, accumulating over 12,000 case disposals. He took oath as Acting Chief Justice of SHC on September 15, 2025, and his confirmation as permanent Chief Justice marks an important outcome of the Pakistan Judicial Commission Decision.
Profile of Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail – New Chief Justice of BHC
Justice Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail, born on January 19, 1968, in Quetta, completed his LLB from University Law College, Quetta, in 1994. Known for his strong legal background and commitment to judicial integrity, he has played a meaningful role in the advancement of Balochistan’s judicial system.
He represented the Balochistan Bar Council in the historic first meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. Justice Malakhail was appointed as an additional judge of the Balochistan High Court on August 30, 2013, and confirmed as permanent judge in 2015. His elevation to Chief Justice recognizes his long service and experience within the provincial judiciary.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Judicial Framework
The Pakistan Judicial Commission Decision is being widely acknowledged as a positive step toward judicial stability and efficiency. Permanent appointments are crucial for ensuring administrative continuity, reducing delays, and maintaining public trust in the legal system.
With capable and experienced judges now leading both the SHC and BHC, the decision is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness and reliability of the judicial process in Pakistan. Combined with the newly structured committee for drafting constitutional rules, this move signals a forward-looking approach to judicial governance.
The Pakistan Judicial Commission Decision stands as an important milestone for the judiciary, reflecting a focus on stability, merit, and legal excellence. The confirmation of permanent chief justices for the SHC and BHC, along with the elevation of Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to the Supreme Court, represents a vision for a stronger, more transparent, and more efficient judicial system. As Pakistan progresses through a phase of constitutional advancement, such decisions will play a defining role in shaping the future of its legal institutions.
