Judicial Commission Approves Rules for Judicial Appointment Interviews

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has approved new rules governing interviews for judicial appointments, amendments to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (Appointment of Judges) Rules, 2024, and criteria for nominating judges to constitutional benches of the country’s high courts.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, who serves as the commission’s chairperson.

The commission reviewed several key agenda items, including the Interviews of Judges Appointment Rules, proposed amendments to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (Appointment of Judges) Rules, 2024, and criteria for the nomination of judges to constitutional benches.

These matters had previously been referred to a five-member committee for recommendations.

The committee comprised Justice Aamer Farooq of the Federal Constitutional Court, Attorney General for Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Awan, Senator Farooq H. Naek, Senator Syed Ali Zafar, and Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon.

According to the commission, the approved rules and amendments were adopted in line with the committee’s recommendations. However, consideration of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (Judicial Performance Evaluation of High Court Judges) Rules, 2026, was deferred.

The commission also reviewed a proposal from the Balochistan Bar Council regarding amendments to procedures for replacing provincial bar council nominees serving on the JCP.

During earlier discussions, concerns were raised about the practicality of conducting interviews for a large number of judicial candidates. Senior Supreme Court judge Justice Munib Akhtar reportedly opposed the proposal, citing implementation challenges.

The issue gained importance following discussions on the assessment of prospective additional judges under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Article 175A(4) of the Constitution requires the JCP to establish rules governing procedures for evaluating and determining the suitability of candidates for judicial appointments.

The commission decided to seek written comments and suggestions within seven days from the chief justices and senior-most judges of all high courts who are members of the commission, before proceeding with the deferred performance evaluation rules.