Judges’ appointment rules: JCP approves amendments

ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has approved the rules to interview candidates for their elevation to the superior courts, and the amendments to the JCP (Appointment of Judges) Rules, 2024, in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee constituted for the purpose. It has also approved the criteria for nomination of judges to Constitutional Benches, as referred back by the Committee for consideration and decision of the Commission. READ ALSO: Appointment of judges: JCP announces updated regulations The Commission met on Friday under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Pakistan/Chairperson, Judicial Commission of Pakistan, at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Islamabad. The Commission considered the following agenda items: i. Interviews of Judges’ Appointment Rules ii. Judicial Commission of Pakistan (Judicial Performance Evaluation of High Court Judges) Rules, 2026 iii. Amendments to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (Appointment of Judges) Rules, 2024 iv. Criteria for Nomination of Judges to Constitutional Benches, as referred back by the Committee for consideration and decision of the Commission v. Letter dated 08. 06. 2026 of the Balochistan Bar Council regarding amendment of the Rules/Procedure for substitution of a nominee of a Provincial Bar Council serving as a Member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan It deferred the consideration of Agenda Item (ii). The Commission sought written comments and suggestions from the Chief Justices and the most senior judges of all High Courts, who are members of the Commission, within seven days. With regard to Agenda Item (v), the Commission observed that the term of office of a member nominated by a Bar Council is constitutionally fixed at two years. Accordingly, it was decided that no rule-making is warranted in this regard. The JCP’s Rule-Making Committee, on May 6, was tasked with developing a mechanism for appointments in light of recent constitutional changes affecting the structure and functioning of the judiciary. The 27th Constitutional Amendment empowered the JCP to frame rules regulating its own procedures, including the “procedure and criteria for the assessment, interview, evaluation, and fitness for appointment of judges”. The Rule-Making Committee comprised Federal Constitutional Court Justice Aamer Farooq, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, Senator Farooq H. Naek, Senator Syed Ali Zafar, and Pakistan Bar Council representative Ahsan Bhoon. The committee members had discussed multiple proposals regarding interviews of prospective judges. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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