Pointing out that the transfer of three high courts’ judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) was in accordance with the constitution, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi on Monday described the transfer of these judges as a good omen, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a function in Islamabad, he said it was a good step under Article 200 and that more judges from the high courts should be transferred to the IHC.
He said that the recently transferred judges should be encouraged. “Judges from the provinces should also be given an opportunity to serve at the federal capital’s top court,” the CJP said, adding that the appointment and transfer of judges were two different things.
“The IHC does not belong to just one province. It belongs to the entire country,” he emphasized.
Justice Afridi went on to say that being the CJP, his vision should be broad. “We need more judges in the Supreme Court (SC) since we have to get rid of the case backlog.”
He said he heard 30 to 40 cases daily. “I meet with the judges in order to address their concerns. I am ready to gossip with all judges, including those of the high courts, since I am the CJP.”
He said he recused from hearing the cases in which he had an ‘interest’.
The CJP expressed optimism that the controversy surrounding the 26th Amendment would soon be over.
On the other hand, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) of Pakistan on Monday welcomed the transfer of high courts’ judges to the IHC. “The president gave approval to these transfers in the light of the constitution,” the Bar said in a statement, adding, “The seniority of these judges will be determined from the time they became the judges of high courts where they have come from.”
The SCBA opined that criticism and protests against these transfers were aimed at promoting political interests.
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori