The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC)— the premier regulatory body of lawyers Tuesday expressed serious concerns regarding the appointment of ad hoc judges in the Supreme Court, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The PBC member Shafqat Mehmood Chauhan observed that the Supreme Court is a constitutional body responsible for safeguarding the constitution and should not be turned into a political arena.
He praised former Supreme Court Justice Mushir Alam's decision to decline the offer of ad hoc judge, calling it commendable.
Chauhan further stated that a meeting of the Pakistan Bar Council will be convened soon to discuss the appointments of ad hoc judges.
“The PBC members will hold a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday to present their point of view.
PBC Member Abid Saqi asserted that appointing ad hoc judges without constitutional justification is an attempt to cripple the justice system.
Abid Zuberi, another PBC member, highlighted that the constitution is clear on the matter, stating that under Article 181, only an apex court judge can be appointed as an ad hoc judge.
PCB member Ishtiaq A. Khan urged understanding the viewpoint of Mushir Alam, who declined the ad hoc judge position and adhered to the constitution.
Shahab Sarki, another member, stated that appointing judges for favorable decisions is unacceptable.
Munir A. Kakar added that appointing ad hoc judges despite a full bench in the Supreme Court is against the Constitution.
PBC member Tahir Abbasi emphasized that the courts and the country must be run according to constitutional procedures rather than relying on adhocism.