Newly appointed Chief Justice Yahya Afridi has reinstated Justice Munib Akhtar to the Judges Committee, reconstituting the panel with Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and himself at the helm. It reported in media, this decision follows a formal notification issued by the Supreme Court Registrar regarding the establishment of the Practice and Procedure Committee. In a notable shift, Justice Aminuddin Khan has replaced Justice Akhtar in the three-member Practice and Procedure Committee. The newly appointed Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Yahya Afridi, has reconstituted a key Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Committee, reinstating Justice Munib Akhtar.

The decision, announced via an office order on 26 October 2024, marks a reversal of actions taken by former CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who had removed Justice Akhtar from the committee. The reconstitution of the committee includes CJP Afridi himself, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah as the Senior Puisne Judge, and Justice Munib Akhtar. This marks a shift from Justice Isa’s approach, which had led to controversy when he removed Justice Akhtar, reportedly due to differences in the interpretation of judicial powers and procedural roles. Following Akhtar’s removal, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah declined to participate in the committee, leading to further division within the judiciary.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan