Infostani Sources- In 2024, the Chief Justices of both the Supreme Court and the Laho Rashi Court will retire upon completion of their tenure. There are currently two vacant seats in the Supreme Court for the new seats. The appointment process will commence in October. It is likely that they will appoint either Chief Justice Muhammad Amir Bhatti of Lahore High Court. Or the senior judge Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed to the seat left vacant by former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. Furthermore, they will appoint the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court to fill the other vacant seat
The scheduled meeting is expected.; Supreme Court Justice Sardar Tariq Masood will retire on 10 March 2024. And Chief Justice Faiz Isa will retire on 26 October 2024. Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan will be the next Chief Justice. The approved seats of judges in Lahore High Court are 60 while currently, 40 are working. If Chief Justice Amir Bhatti goes to the Supreme Court, then Senior Judge Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmed will be the new Chief Justice in his place, and his term will retire on March 14, 2025.
The process of new appointments of 20 judges in the vacant seats in the Lahore High Court is also starting in October. 25 lakh cases and appeals are pending in the Lahore High Court. And 25 sessions are retiring from November 2023 to December 2024 in Punjab. While the number of pending cases reached five lakh. They will complete the recruitment of 500 new judges by December 31.
Supreme Changes and Challenges in Pakistan’s Judicial System: 2024 Transitions
The upcoming retirements and appointments in Pakistan’s judicial system in 2024 indicate a significant shift in the legal landscape. With the retirement of Chief Justices in both the Supreme Court and the Lahore Rashi Court. The selection of their successors will be a pivotal moment in shaping the country’s legal direction. The possibility of Chief Justice Muhammad Amir Bhatti or senior Judge Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed taking over in the Supreme Court underscores the importance of their experience and qualifications in these high-stake roles.
Concurrently, the recruitment of 20 new judges for the Lahore High Court is a significant step towards addressing the backlog of cases, which currently stands at a staggering 25 lakhs, and the impending retirement of 25 sessions judges in Punjab adds urgency to the need for judicial appointments. Pakistan strives to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of justice. The dynamics within its judiciary will continue to be closely watched and scrutinized by legal experts and the public alike.
