ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) meeting on Friday was overshadowed by controversy surrounding a proposed constitutional package concerning the judiciary, leading to a walkout by Supreme Court Justice Munib Akhtar.
At the start of the meeting, Justice Akhtar raised concerns about the absence of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who had previously committed to explaining the legal aspects of the package during the next meeting. The package, aimed at amending provisions related to the appointment, elevation, and transfer of superior court judges, had been deferred earlier due to the minister’s request.
Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan responded that discussions on the constitutional package were still ongoing and that the JCP had no authority to seek amendments. He emphasized that the meeting’s purpose was to review the rules proposed by the commission’s rules-making committee. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa also reminded the members that the JCP was not responsible for addressing the constitutional package.
Frustrated by the lack of clarity on the matter, Justice Akhtar walked out, stating that he would not return until his concerns were addressed.
The five-hour-long meeting, presided over by CJP Isa, included senior judicial figures and bar council representatives. The JCP Rules, formulated in 2010 under Article 175A(4) of the Constitution, were a key focus, with discussions on proposed revisions initiated by CJP Isa last year. The commission broadly agreed on the suggested changes and scheduled further discussions for Sept 28.
Key revisions to the rules included timelines for proposing and discussing judicial appointments in the Supreme Court and high courts, ensuring timely deliberations before vacancies arise.
