Next Chief Justice of Pakistan: Who is Yahya Afridi?

Justice Yahya Afridi, nominated as Pakistan’s next chief justice, was born on 23 January 1965 in Dera Ghazi Khan. His nomination has been approved by the parliamentary committee with a two-thirds majority, and his name has been forwarded to the prime minister for final approval.

Justice Afridi's legal journey reflects a distinguished career, with significant contributions to the judiciary at both the provincial and federal levels.

Justice Afridi began his early education at Aitchison College in Lahore, a prestigious institution known for producing some of the country's leading figures. He later graduated from Government College, Lahore, and pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Punjab, also in Lahore.

His academic achievements were further enhanced when he secured a Commonwealth Scholarship and completed his LL.M. from Jesus College, Cambridge University. His time at Cambridge equipped him with a deep understanding of international legal systems and honed his skills for a career that would later see him rise to the highest ranks of Pakistan’s judiciary.

Justice Afridi began his legal practice in 1990, starting as an advocate in the high courts. His expertise and professionalism saw him swiftly advance, and by 2004, he was practising as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Throughout his career, Justice Afridi took on various roles, including serving as the Assistant Advocate General for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His experience in this capacity gave him an intimate understanding of the legal challenges and issues facing the province, allowing him to build a solid reputation as a competent and dedicated lawyer.

In 2010, Justice Afridi was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Peshawar High Court. His dedication to the judiciary and his ability to handle complex legal matters were recognised, and by 15 March 2012, he was made a permanent judge of the court.

Justice Afridi's career continued to rise, and on 30 December 2016, he took the oath as Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court. During his tenure, he dealt with numerous high-profile cases and earned widespread respect for his fairness and commitment to justice.

His elevation to the Supreme Court of Pakistan came on 28 June 2018, marking the beginning of his contributions at the highest judicial level in the country.

Justice Yahya Afridi has been involved in several significant cases during his tenure in the superior judiciary. Notably, he was part of the larger bench that heard the case concerning the reserved seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council. His insightful judgement included a dissenting note, showcasing his independence of thought and legal reasoning.

In another high-profile case, Justice Afridi served on the nine-member larger bench that reviewed the presidential reference filed against the hanging of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This case, which has historical and political significance in Pakistan, placed Justice Afridi in the spotlight as a key figure in the country's legal history.

In 2024, he also declined to join the three-member judges' committee formed to review the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Ordinance, demonstrating his measured and principled approach to his role as a judge.

Justice Afridi has been a consistent advocate for judicial independence throughout his career. He was a petitioner against the imposition of the 3 November 2007 emergency, imposed by then-president Pervez Musharraf, when the judiciary was suspended, and many judges were placed under house arrest. His stance at the time reinforced his commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the judiciary's role in maintaining the rule of law.

As Justice Yahya Afridi's name moves forward for final approval by the prime minister, legal experts and political observers are closely watching. His extensive experience, both as a lawyer and judge, along with his involvement in some of Pakistan’s most significant legal decisions, positions him as a capable and experienced candidate to take on the role of chief justice.

His appointment comes at a crucial time, and he is expected to steer the Supreme Court through complex and politically sensitive cases, further defining his legacy as a key figure in Pakistan’s judiciary.