In a significant development, former Justices Tariq Masood and Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel have agreed to their appointments as ad hoc judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, sources reveal. In contrast, former Justice Mushir Alam has declined the appointment, while former Justice Maqbool Baqir has not yet responded.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa proposed the appointments, aiming to appoint four retired judges as ad hoc judges for three years. The proposed judges included Mushir Alam, Mazhar Alam Miankhel, Maqbool Baqir, and Sardar Tariq Masood. To deliberate on these appointments, the CJP has summoned a meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Friday, July 19.
Justice Mushir Alam, in a letter to CJP Qazi Faez Isa, expressed his gratitude for the nomination but regretted his inability to accept the appointment. He cited disappointment over a social media campaign that emerged following the SC Registrar’s letter to JCP members regarding the ad hoc appointments as a significant reason for his decision.
In his letter, Justice Alam wrote, “It is an honor to be recognized for my legal expertise and contributions to society as a humble member of the Bench. It is with a heavy heart that I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept this esteemed appointment.”
The CJP’s summary to JCP members highlighted the necessity of appointing ad hoc judges to address the backlog of cases in the Supreme Court. The summary stated, “Due to the huge number of pending cases and the ever-increasing trend of the institution of cases in the Supreme Court, it would be appropriate to appoint experienced judges as ad hoc Judges of the Supreme Court.”
According to Article 182 of the constitution, an ad hoc judge holds the same power and jurisdiction as a sitting Supreme Court judge.
In a related update, media reports revealed that former Justice Maqbool Baqar, who was initially supportive of the appointment, has withdrawn, citing personal and domestic reasons.
Meanwhile, Justices Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Sardar Tariq Masood have expressed their willingness to take up the ad hoc judge positions, demonstrating their continued commitment to judicial service.
This development follows a letter from Justice Mushir Alam to CJP Qazi Faez Isa, expressing gratitude for the nomination but declining the appointment due to current circumstances. Justice Alam’s letter emphasized his respect for the Judicial Commission and the Supreme Court, acknowledging the trust placed in him, and cited the discouraging social media campaign as a significant reason for his decision.
Amid these developments, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has voiced opposition to the ad hoc appointments.
