ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Judicial Commission has given the go-ahead for the appointment of Justice (Retd) Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice (Retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel as ad-hoc judges of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa chaired an important meeting on this decision which signifies ongoing endeavors to strengthen the judiciary by making experienced judges work temporarily in different positions.
significance of this Judicial
The significance of this Judicial Commission sitting can be gauged from the fact that there were discussions and talks about suitability or need for appointing ad-hoc judges. 1-8 votes were cast in favor of Justice (Retd) Sardar Tariq Masood after his name was suggested; these statistics clearly show unanimity among members of the commission regarding his appointment. The services rendered by him during his long tenure as a lawyer and judge are well known therefore inclusion into the panel on an adhoc basis shall prove beneficial.
However, there were voices raised against his selection too; one such voice belonged to Muneeb Akhtar who expressed “no” against the proposed appointment because according to him this is not appropriate to take a retired person like Sardar Tariq Masood as a temporary judge. This dissenting note indicates that still many issues are being debated within the legal community over criteria/implications involved in making ex-judges hold office for limited periods.
Another nominee’s name came under consideration. Which received approval but with the lowest majority i.e., three out of six voted yes. Mazhar Alam Miankhel has earned a good reputation while working at various levels including High Courts. His experience can also be helpful even if it is just an interim arrangement at the Supreme Court level as he will be appointed ad-hoc Judge there.
Yahya Afridi and Muneeb Akhtar
Two other persons namely Yahya Afridi and Muneeb Akhtar objected to the choice made for additional judge posts. Their objections reflected splits within the organization. How candidates should be selected or recommended for ad hoc positions. Afridi and Akhtar have raised valid concerns. These need to be addressed seriously during the selection process because there must be clarity about them. What type of person can or cannot become a temporary judge within the judicial service?
There were some interesting developments too during this meeting. When the chief justice nominated four lawyers’ names then two among them refused to accept the offer of becoming judges on an ad-hoc basis. Maqbool Baqar declined citing personal reasons while Mushir Alam also expressed his inability due to private engagements. This creates more complications before the Judicial Commission regarding filling such vacancies with competent individuals. Who are willing as well able enough to do justice with their duties as temporary judges of SC Pakistan.
Appointment ad-hoc-judges
Appointment ad-hoc-judges are a strategic move aimed at dealing with the workload and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Supreme Court. The judiciary hopes to benefit from retired experienced judges by bringing them in while regular judicial activities continue uninterrupted. However, this exercise has its challenges differences in opinion among members over different issues related to the selection process. As well as some nominated persons refusing when asked.
The decisions taken by the Judicial Commission in this meeting are indicative of that. It wants to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the judiciary system intact. Both approvals and dissenting voices will play a vital role in determining. How the future functions of the Supreme Court should look. The contributions made by Justice (Retd) Sardar Tariq Masood and Miankhel will be awaited keenly. As they get ready to assume office on an ad-hoc basis thereby providing us valuable information about. The viability of these appointments towards strengthening the judicial structure
the Judicial Commission
The fact that the Judicial Commission has approved Justice (Retd) Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice (Retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel. Ad-hoc judges are being seen as a big development in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary. All discussions, acceptances, denouncements. Or otherwise brought forward during this appointment process have again shown just how intricate and vital it is. Therefore more than anything else they serve to confirm that we must be meticulous in our actions. If we want to maintain quality within our courts.
 Tariq Masood and Justice (Retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel as ad-hoc judges, amid some dissent.){kind=link}