Govt seeks change in CJP's appointment procedure by ending seniority rule

The coalition federal government sought a new selection process instead of seniority-level rule for the appointment of the Chief Justice of Pakistan via judicial amendments.

Despite resistance from the opposition, the ruling coalition was mulling to change 54 sections of the constitution of Pakistan, including 51, 63, 175, and 181.

According to the sources, no suggestions for extension of CJP Faiz Esa's tenure were added to the draft, but the procedure of appointing the apex court head could be changed by ending the seniority level. 

“The Prime Minister will select the CJP from the five-member penal —consists of most senior judges— of the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” said the sources. 

“Judges of Islamabad High Court would be transferred to other high courts, instead promoting to the Supreme Court,” the expected amendment in section 181 stated.

It seems that the government was attempting to change the CJP’s appointment process like the selection of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Additionally, the Amendment in Section 63 of the constitution of Pakistan— encircles the matter related to the vote of dissent members — is also part of the draft.

According to the sources, the proposed draft also added to increase NA seats in Balochistan from 65 to 81.

The proposed constitutional package is expected to be tabled in both houses of parliament, as the house was adjourned on Sunday without a conclusion.

However, the opposition resisted the bill while both the opposition and the government were seeking assistance from Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman to complete their numbers. 

Meanwhile, the debate will be resumed today afternoon.