Chief Justice Selection Today: Who will lead Pakistan’s apex court?

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani lawmakers will pick the next Chief Justice as 12-member special parliamentary committee is meeting today at 4 PM to finalize the coveted appointment. The committee will consider the names of the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court, requiring a two-thirds majority for a decision, which will then be forwarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for approval.

As per seniority, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah remains ahead followed by Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Yahya Afridi. Sources familiar with development suggest that Justice Yahya Afridi may be the frontrunner for the position, with his neutral stance amid recent court divisions cited as a significant factor in his candidacy.

Candidates for Top Slot

• Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah: The most senior judge, he previously served as Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court before his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2018.
• Justice Munib Akhtar: A Supreme Court judge since 2018, known for his extensive judicial experience.
• Justice Yahya Afridi: Former Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, he has been with the Supreme Court since 2018.

The committee comprises members from various political parties, including four from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), three from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and three from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council. Additionally, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) each have one representative.

This committee was established following requests from the Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker for political parties to nominate members in proportion to their representation in parliament.

A decision must be reached by midnight today, with the selected name sent to the Prime Minister for formal approval from the president. The new Chief Justice will take office once presidential consent is received.

Under the recently enacted 26th Amendment, the term for the Chief Justice is set at three years or until the judge reaches the retirement age of 65. The current Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa, is scheduled to retire on October 25, 2024, leaving the coalition government with less than 30 hours to make the appointment.

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