Here’s how new CJP will be appointed after 26th constitutional amendment

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday signed the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill into law upon the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A gazette notification has been issued following the president's assent to the contentious legislation.

The development comes after the government managed to secure two-third majority for the passage of the 26th constitutional amendment in the National Assembly in the wee hours of Monday, shortly after it sailed through Senate.

How CJP will be appointed?

The amendment introduces a new selection criteria for the CJP, moving away from automatic appointment based on seniority.

Instead, a 12-member parliamentary committee will choose the chief justice from among the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court.

The selected name will then be forwarded to the prime minister, who will send the nomination to the president for final approval. 

The amendment also sets the tenure of the chief justice at either three years or until they reach the retirement age of 65.

Supreme Court judges' appointment:

A judicial commission, headed by the chief justice, will oversee the appointment of Supreme Court judges. The commission will comprise the four most senior judges, the Federal Law Minister, the Attorney General, and representatives from the National Assembly, Senate, and bar councils with at least 15 years of experience.

Constitutional benches: Constitutional benches will be established in both the Supreme Court and high courts, with the commission determining the number of judges required.

Special parliamentary committee: A 12-member special parliamentary committee, representing all political parties proportionally, will play a role in the appointment process.