Pakistan Set to Have Two Chief Justices After Establishment of Constitutional Court: Farooq H. Naek

Islamabad, October 9, 2024 — Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Farooq H. Naek, announced on Wednesday that the country will have two chief justices following the establishment of a federal constitutional court.

Naek explained that the newly formed constitutional court will be led by a chief justice who will serve a three-year term, with an age limit of 68 years. This will create a system where one chief justice heads the federal constitutional court, while another presides over the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

He further emphasized that judges of the constitutional court will be held accountable for their performance, and if they do not meet expectations, recommendations can be made to the Judicial Commission for their removal or other corrective actions.

Naek also highlighted that a committee will be responsible for nominating candidates for the chief justice position of the constitutional court. Additionally, he confirmed that the court will have representation from all four provinces, ensuring broad national participation.

This development comes as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed his party’s support for the creation of a constitutional court. Speaking at the Balochistan High Court Bar Association, Bhutto Zardari urged lawyers to recognize the constitutional mandate of the new courts, saying, “If you don’t accept the constitutional courts, you should leave the practice.”