Constitution must remain supreme, says FCC CJ

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, stressed that the Constitution must be given the highest priority in the exercise of powers. He was addressing an event held at the FCC on Tuesday to mark the commencement of the New Judicial Year 2026–27, attended by the FCC judges and Registrar; Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP); Vice Chairman, Pakistan Bar Council (PBC); President, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA); senior officers and officials of the Court; and members of the legal fraternity. The Chief Justice said: “The Constitution must remain supreme, and every exercise of public authority must remain within its constitutional boundaries. ” He noted that the Constitution was the “supreme expression of the collective will of the people”. He further said that every institution created under the Constitution derived its authority from it and remained subject to its limits The Chief Justice stated that the New Judicial Year was being commenced with a firm commitment to constitutional responsibility, judicial independence, transparency and the strengthening of public confidence. He stated that, within a brief period of approximately ten months, significant measures had been undertaken to develop the Court’s judicial and administrative framework, frame rules and regulations, establish a new directorate, introduce modern judicial systems, strengthen research and translation functions, and establish registries in all four provinces, with a view to facilitating greater access to constitutional justice. Justice Amin said the FCC had undertaken a “remarkable institutional journey” during its first 10 months, building its judicial and administrative infrastructure while simultaneously discharging its constitutional responsibilities. “When this court came into existence, the task before us was immense, ” he said, adding that the court had not inherited a fully developed institutional infrastructure. “We had to build an institution while simultaneously performing the judicial responsibilities entrusted to us by the Constitution, ” he said. “In many respects, we began our journey from scratch. ” The Chief Justice said three benches of the court had immediately commenced judicial work after the oath-taking process of all its judges was completed. “That moment remains a powerful reminder of the spirit with which this institution was born, ” he said. “There was no prolonged period of institutional preparation before justice could begin. The court was established, the judges took their oath, and the constitutional responsibility of adjudication commenced. ” The FCC Chief Justice said the court had initially functioned from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) building before shifting to its present premises by the end of its second month. He described the transition as a “formidable institutional exercise”, noting that the building had been constructed approximately 46 years ago and was originally designed to accommodate around 100 employees. “Today, however, nearly 400 officials and attached staff of this court are working within these premises, ” he said. Chief Justice Aminuddin said limited space had put considerable pressure on the court’s facilities, with officers and officials working in “improvised cabins and compact workstations”. “Yet, despite these physical limitations, the work has continued, ” he said. “And it has continued because institutions are ultimately not built by the concrete and bricks alone, ” he said. “Institutions are built by people. They are built by commitments. They are sustained by discipline. They grow through collective sacrifices and devotion to the purpose larger than individual convenience. ” The Chief Justice acknowledged the dedication of the court’s officers and officials, saying they had worked with “exceptional commitment” despite limitations in space and infrastructure. “Their contribution is part of the foundation upon which the future of this court shall stand, ” he said. Justice Amin said that alongside its judicial responsibilities, the court had established its essential judicial and administrative infrastructure. It had developed a modern and fully equipped information technology directorate to meet the technological requirements of contemporary constitutional institutions, he said. Speaking on the occasion, AGP Mansoor Usman Awan highlighted the significance of the institutional journey of the FCC and underscored the importance of effective adjudication of constitutional questions, protection of fundamental rights, use of modern technology, and strengthening of public confidence. He observed that the judgments of the FCC have far-reaching implications for the interpretation of the Constitution and the delineation of State authority. PBC Vice ChairmanPir Muhammad Masood Chishti emphasized the importance of constitutional stability, the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, and the prompt and fair administration of justice. He commended the seriousness, balance and constitutional insight demonstrated by the Court in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. SCBA President Haroon-ur-Rashid expressed the hope that, as in the preceding year, the Court would continue to play an effective role in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution, strengthening the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, ensuring timely administration of justice, and reinforcing public confidence. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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