The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has unanimously approved the nomination of Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, who currently serves as the Acting Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, to become a judge of the Supreme Court. This pivotal decision was made during a meeting of the JCP, signifying the judicial system’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of expertise, character, and experience in the nation’s highest court.
The announcement was made by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, who emphasized that Justice Irfan Saadat Khan perfectly met the necessary qualifications for this esteemed role. He highlighted Justice Khan’s impressive knowledge, extensive experience, versatility, upright character, and seniority among the chief justices and judges of all high courts.
Notably, all JCP members present at the meeting expressed their unanimous support for Justice Irfan Saadat Khan’s nomination. Furthermore, the Law Minister, who was abroad at the time, also provided a written endorsement of the nomination, underlining the consensus surrounding this crucial decision.
The next step in this process involves forwarding the nomination of Justice Irfan Saadat Khan to the Parliamentary Committee, where it will undergo further scrutiny and consideration. This marks a crucial phase in the appointment of a Supreme Court judge, ensuring transparency and adherence to established procedures.
In addition to Justice Khan’s nomination, the meeting also addressed the criteria for the appointment of high court judges. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa had previously reached out to JCP members, seeking their input on this matter. Suggestions and recommendations were received and shared among the members, who requested additional time for thorough consideration.
As a result, the decision was made to extend the deadline for receiving submissions until October 27. This extension will allow for comprehensive deliberation on the criteria for high court judge appointments. The matter will be revisited and discussed in the upcoming meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.
This meeting was particularly significant as it marked the first one to be presided over by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa since assuming the role of the country’s top adjudicator. Justice Shaikh, the previous Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, had a distinguished career, serving in this capacity for more than six years. His journey began with his appointment as a judge of the Sindh High Court in September 2009, and he later assumed the role of Chief Justice in March 2017.
The nomination of Justice Irfan Saadat Khan to the Supreme Court is a testament to the rigorous selection process and the commitment to appointing judges with the highest qualifications and integrity. As this nomination moves to the Parliamentary Committee for further evaluation, Pakistan’s judicial system remains steadfast in upholding the principles of justice and excellence.