United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Turk has voiced concern over the newly enacted twenty sixth Constitutional Modification, saying it was “adopted rapidly and with out broad session and debate”.
The ruling coalition, after weeks of political manoeuvrings and deliberations, lastly managed to cross the contentious twenty sixth Constitutional Modification invoice, empowering the nation’s parliament to select the following Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) from among the many three most senior Supreme Courtroom judges.
In a put up on X (previously Twitter), Turk mentioned that “rapidly adopted” amendments will “critically undermine the independence of the judiciary”.
“Constitutional reforms have to be in keeping with worldwide human rights legislation,” the assertion added.
The passage of the contentious package deal drew sturdy criticism from the opposition and attorneys group, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vowing to launch a protest motion throughout the nation.
The Human Rights Fee of Pakistan (HRCP) has additionally expressed sturdy reservations over sure points of the amendments.
The amendments introduced quite a few modifications to the nation’s judicial system, together with taking away suo motu powers, formation of constitutional benches, and efficiency evaluations of excessive court docket judges.
In gentle of the contemporary amendments, a Particular Parliamentary Committee nominated Justice Yahya Afridi as the following chief justice of Pakistan (CJP).
After nomination, President Asif Ali Zardari appointed Justice Afridi below clause 3 of Article 175A learn with Articles 177 and 179 of the Structure, based on a notification issued by the Ministry of Legislation and Justice at present.
It acknowledged that the president was happy to nominate Justice Afridi as the following chief justice “for a time period of three years with impact from” October 26.
Highlights of the invoice
- Chief Justice of Pakistan’s (CJP) tenure mounted at three years.
- Constitutional benches to be established on the SC and excessive courts.
- Senior-most choose of every bench to function presiding officer.
- Parliamentary committee to appoint new CJP from panel of three most senior judges.
- Committee to suggest identify to PM, who will then ahead it to president for ultimate approval.
- JCP, led by CJP and three others, answerable for appointment of SC judges.
- JCP to observe judges’ efficiency, report any considerations to Supreme Judicial Council.
- Full eradication of Riba (curiosity) from nation by January 1, 2028.