The Judicial Commission of Pakistan, under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Thursday concluded deliberations on the nomination of two additional judges to the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench.
After a closely watched meeting, Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Ali Baqir Najafi were inducted into the bench through a majority vote, raising the total number of judges on the Constitutional Bench from 13 to 15.
According to the sources, 8 out of 13 Commission members voted in favour of Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, while 7 supported Justice Ali Baqir Najafi.
Notably, Chief Justice Afridi abstained from voting on Najafi's nomination, sources said.
The additions, however, did not come without contention. Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Muneeb Akhtar reportedly opposed the move, arguing against further appointments without first establishing clear rules for judicial nominations.
Barrister Ali Zafar, Barrister Gohar, and Justice Jamal Mandokhel echoed these concerns, sources revealed.
Despite the opposition, the Commission proceeded with the appointments, reflecting a split within the country’s top judicial forum over the expansion of the bench.
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori