Islamabad(Mudssar Iqbal): Ad Hoc Judges Can Help Reduce Judicial Burden, Says Azam Tarar, Ad Hoc Judges Can Help Reduce Judicial Burden, Says Azam Tarar, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has emphasized the need for appointing ad hoc judges, citing the constitution’s allowance for such appointments. During a TV show, Tarar stated that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, not the Chief Justice, has the authority to appoint ad hoc judges. He expressed his willingness to discuss constitutional and judicial reforms.
Expressing his opinion in a statement on Thursday, the federal minister defended the JCP’s proposal, saying the ad hoc judges should be appointed.
The issue of invoking Article 6 against the Imran Khan-founded party’s leaders could be brought in the Parliament House for a debate by lawmakers, he added.
“There is a genuine case of Article 6 against the PTI leaders as the Constitution was violated by dissolving the [Nationa] Assembly in the presence of a no-confidence motion.”
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, addressing a press conference in Islamabad on July 15, announced the PML-N-led government’s decision to ban the former ruling party as well as file references against former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-president Arif Alvi for treason under Article 6 for their involvement in the dissolution of the National Assembly in April 2022.
The decision to ban the PTI, the law minister said, was not taken last year only to maintain the political environment.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa had nominated four judges — Justice (retd) Mushir Alam, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir, Justice (retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel, and Justice (retd) Sardar Tariq Masood — as ad hoc judges in the Supreme Court. However, two judges, Justice Mushir and Justice Baqir, have so far declined the offer.
Ad Hoc Judges:
Tarar stressed that ad hoc judges are essential for the efficient functioning of the judiciary. He clarified that the appointment of ad hoc judges is a constitutional provision and not a discretionary power of the Chief Justice.
CJ Qazi Faez Isa’s Tenure:
Tarar dispelled rumors regarding the extension of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s tenure, terming them “baseless.”
Employees’ Service Length:
The minister announced that the government is considering increasing the retirement age of employees to reduce the burden of pension on the national exchequer.
PTI’s Status:
Tarar hinted at the possibility of imposing Article 6 on PTI leaders, stating that such a move could be brought to parliament.
Judicial Commission Meeting:
In a related development, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has convened a judicial commission meeting to appoint ad hoc judges.
Constitutional Interpretation:
Tarar criticized the interpretation of the constitution in the case of reserve seats, stating that eight judges had rewritten the constitution to provide an opportunity to a party.
Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqir Declines Ad Hoc Judge Appointment in Supreme Court
Talking to PVT TV today, Justice (retd) Baqar said he was deciding against becoming an ad hoc judge due to “personal reasons”.
However, he mentioned that the appointment of ad hoc judges to the apex court is in line with the law and that criticism is “baseless”.
Meanwhile, Justice (retd) Alam’s letter addressed to the JCP chairman, states: “After careful deliberation, under present circumstances, it is with a heavy heart that I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept this esteemed appointment.”
The JCP, chaired by CJP Isa, is set to meet tomorrow (Friday) to consider the appointment of four retired apex court judges, according to the official note which describes the high pendency of cases as the reason for the appointment of ad hoc judges.
However, the PTI termed the move as “dishonesty,” as the party’s chairman Gohar Ali Khan, in a statement on X on July 16 said: “There is a genuine apprehension that the move is aimed at PTI’s reserved seats judgement and its standing as a party.”
