Defence Minister Lauds Justice Yahya Afridi’s Appointment as Chief Justice

Islamabad-(Mudassar Iqbal): Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, shared his thoughts on the appointment of Justice Yahya Afridi as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan. Asif expressed high regard for Justice Afridi’s character and professional conduct, emphasizing that no one could question his integrity or impartiality. According to the Defence Minister, Afridi’s performance during turbulent times for the judiciary demonstrated his commitment to fairness.

Khawaja Asif particularly highlighted Justice Afridi’s stance during the period when divisions and groupings within the judiciary became apparent. This phase saw certain factions emerge within the judicial system, aligning with various political and ideological positions. However, Justice Afridi, Asif pointed out, did not engage in these divisions. Instead, he maintained neutrality and focused on his duties as a judge, upholding his role with responsibility and integrity.

Asif went on to praise Afridi for resisting external pressures, including political influence on the judiciary. He remarked that despite the broader political environment, Afridi remained committed to dispensing justice impartially. This ability to stay focused on his judicial responsibilities during a period when the Supreme Court was being perceived as politicized earned him respect both within and outside the judiciary, according to Asif.

Justice Afridi’s impartiality, as observed by Asif, played a significant role in shaping his reputation as an exemplary figure in Pakistan’s judiciary. While some members of the judiciary were seen as engaging in political maneuvering, Afridi’s focus remained solely on the legal aspects of cases. Khawaja Asif indicated that this consistent neutrality distinguishes Afridi from others, making him an ideal choice for the position of Chief Justice.

Moreover, Asif’s praise was not limited to Afridi’s neutrality; he also appreciated his legal acumen and professionalism. He described Afridi as a figure of immense credibility, who continued to fulfill his judicial responsibilities even as the institution faced challenges from political and societal elements. The Defence Minister stressed that in these times of polarization, Justice Afridi’s steadfast commitment to his role sets a valuable precedent for the judiciary moving forward.

Asif’s comments reflect the broader sentiment among some political leaders in Pakistan, who see Justice Afridi’s appointment as a step toward restoring the judiciary’s image as an independent and impartial institution. The Defence Minister’s remarks highlight the need for a judiciary that operates above political fray, and his endorsement of Afridi underscores his belief that the new Chief Justice will uphold these principles.

In conclusion, Khawaja Asif’s remarks on Samaa TV reflect his deep appreciation for Justice Yahya Afridi’s conduct during challenging times for Pakistan’s judiciary. Asif’s endorsement emphasizes Afridi’s neutrality, professionalism, and resistance to political influence, making him, in the Defence Minister’s view, a deserving and exemplary choice for the role of Chief Justice. As Pakistan navigates its current political landscape, Asif’s hope is that Afridi’s leadership will contribute to strengthening the judiciary’s independence and restoring public confidence in the institution.