ISLAMABAD:Chief Justice Yahya Afridi announced on Tuesday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan had raised significant constitutional concerns in a letter. Consequently, the letter has been forwarded to the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench Judges Committee for review.
Following a meeting with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Afridi addressed the media, revealing that he had sought recommendations from both the government and opposition before convening a session of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC).
The chief justice confirmed receipt of Imran Khan’s letter, stating, “The concerns outlined by the PTI founder relate to Article 184(3) of the Constitution. Therefore, the matter has been referred to the Constitutional Bench for examination.”
He further disclosed that he had been receiving multiple letters, including one from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Regarding judicial unity, Chief Justice Afridi acknowledged internal differences, stating that resolving them would take time. “I have advised my fellow judges to allow the system to function smoothly and not create obstacles. Pakistan belongs to all of us,” he emphasized.
During the recent Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) meeting, the issue of seniority was discussed. Chief Justice Afridi clarified, “Seniority is linked to judicial authority in hearings. I have already expressed my stance on this, so if the matter reaches the Supreme Court, I will not be part of that bench.”
He added that his views aligned with those of the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) but cautioned against confusing judicial transfers with seniority. “Transfers are a constitutional process and should not be conflated with seniority issues,” he stressed.
Commenting on his decision to elevate Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to the Supreme Court, the chief justice noted that certain judges who previously handled corporate cases were no longer doing so. “Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb is a strong candidate for elevation,” he stated.
Meeting with IMF Delegation
Chief Justice Afridi also discussed judicial reforms, revealing that prior to the NJPMC meeting, input had been sought from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the opposition leader. He mentioned briefing the IMF delegation on Pakistan’s judicial reform agenda.
The IMF delegation inquired about compliance with legal agreements and property rights. “I informed them that reforms are underway,” the chief justice said, while clarifying that it was not his role to provide detailed insights on every aspect of governance.
Later, the Supreme Court released an official statement regarding the meeting. It confirmed that an IMF delegation led by Joel Turkewitz met with Chief Justice Afridi. The meeting was also attended by key legal officials, including the Supreme Court registrar, the JCP secretary, the Law and Justice Commission secretary, and the director of the Federal Judicial Academy (FJA).
The chief justice stated that while direct engagement with such missions was uncommon, the interaction took place at the Finance Division’s request. “I remained cautious in my comments and observations,” he noted.
Key discussions revolved around constitutional developments within the JCP, judicial accountability, and reforms related to high-level judicial appointments. Chief Justice Afridi emphasized the importance of integrating the judiciary and parliamentary committees to enhance transparency in judicial selections.
The conversation also focused on judicial accountability and complaint mechanisms against judges. Stressing the need for a fair and robust accountability framework, the chief justice underscored the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining integrity and independence.
The IMF delegation acknowledged the judiciary’s role in ensuring legal and institutional stability and commended ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance and accountability. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to improving judicial efficiency.
Meanwhile, the PTI announced its intention to engage with the IMF delegation. PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, speaking outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, confirmed that Imran Khan had authorized National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and PTI’s JCP representatives to meet with IMF officials.
