MPs to discuss Justice Hilali’s elevation to SC

Parliamentary Committee on Judges Appointment to discuss JCP recommendations

ISLAMABAD:

The Parliamentary Committee on Judges Appointment has scheduled a meeting Tuesday (today) to discuss the potential elevation of Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Mussarat Hilali to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

If Justice Hilali is elevated to the Supreme Court, the number of judges in the top court will increase to 16, out of a total of 17 positions. Currently, two of these positions have remained vacant for several months.

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), on June 14, recommended the promotion of Justice Hilali to the Supreme Court based on the proposal of Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the senior puisne judge, who has been notified as the next Chief Justice of Pakistan.

During the meeting, the committee will also address the JCP's recommendation regarding the extension of Justice Muhammad Anwar's term of service at the Federal Shariat Court.

Comprising four members from the Senate and four members from the National Assembly, the parliamentary committee includes representatives from both the treasury and opposition benches.

Within 14 days, upon receiving a nomination from the JCP, the committee may confirm the nominee by a three-fourths majority vote. Failure to do so within the stipulated time results in the JCP nomination being deemed confirmed. If the committee – for reasons to be recorded – does not confirm a nomination, it communicates its decision to the JCP through the Prime Minister, and the JCP may put forth new nominations.

Once the committee confirms a nominee, the name is forwarded to the Prime Minister, who subsequently sends it to the President for approval.