JCP member steps down in protest

Akhtar Hussain— a senior Supreme Court lawyer who represents the bar at the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP)—has resigned as a member of the commission, citing concerns about "controversies surrounding judicial appointments".

Hussain, who was nominated thrice by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) to the JCP, submitted his resignation to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, who also heads the commission. His two-year term at the JCP was going to end in July 2025. In his letter, he expressed dissatisfaction with the process adopted for elevation of six more judges to the apex court.

"On present controversies with regard to judicial appointments, I am unable to continue and, hereby, resign as a member of the JCP," he wrote, requesting the PBC to nominate a new representative in his place. Hussain, however, assured his continued support for judicial independence and democratic institutions.

The resignation came shortly after the JCP appointed six new judges to the SC, a move that sparked criticism from some legal and political circles. Talking to The Express Tribune, Hussain raised questions about the recent appointments in the superior courts.

He said nothing had changed in the appointment process after the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

"Earlier, chief justices had a dominant role in the appointment process and now the executive has taken over the control of the commission.

Hussain lamented that no effort is being made to develop consensus on nominees.

"A committee should have been formed to shortlist the judicial candidates on merit and evolve consensus among the JCP members. Instead of taking decisions on merit, decisions are being taken on the basis of majority during the JCP meeting," he added.

It is learnt that a PBC meeting is scheduled for February 26 to nominate a new bar representative for the JCP. It is likely that Ahsan Bhoon will be nominated as the new JCP member.

According to sources, the Independent group which is majority in the superior bars was upset with Akhtar Hussain due to his decision to oppose the proposal regarding the elevation of two Lahore High Court (LHC) judges to the apex court.

He had also expressed concern about the transfer of LHC's Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar to the Islamabad High Court. He had also dissented to the elevation of Justice Aamer Farooq to the SC until a judicial decision on the seniority of IHC judges.

After the JCP meeting of February 10, Hussain had no choice but either to follow the group's guidelines or tender his resignation. However, lawyers who are critical of the 26th Constitutional Amendment believe that damage has already been done as 43 judges have been appointed to superior courts.

The JCP by a majority vote had selected eight judges for the constitutional bench (CB) of the SC. The judge, who was number 9 on the seniority list of the Sindh High Court, was nominated as head of the CB.

Akhtar Hussain had supported all these JCP decisions, which badly damaged the independence of the judiciary. PTI lawmakers and two senior Supreme Court judges had boycotted the February 10 JCP meeting, raising questions about its transparency.