Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan sworn in as Supreme Court judge

ISLAMABAD: Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan has officially taken his position as a member of the Supreme Court following an oath ceremony presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa in Islamabad today.

Born in 1963, Justice Afghan, son of a retired government employee, boasts academic credentials including degrees in Economics and Statistics from Degree College Quetta, and a law degree from University Law College Quetta. He began his legal career by enrolling as an advocate in the Balochistan High Court (BHC) in 1989 and subsequently became an advocate of the Supreme Court in 2001.

BHC Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan elevated to SC judge

The appointment of Justice Afghan was confirmed last week by former president Arif Alvi under the provisions of Article 175(A) of the Constitution. This decision came after a session of the Supreme Judicial Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa in February, where the elevation of Justice Afghan was discussed and approved.

In light of this appointment, Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar is expected to assume the role of acting chief justice of the BHC under Article 196 of the Constitution.

With Justice Afghan’s induction, the Supreme Court now comprises 14 judges, leaving three positions yet to be filled. His colleagues on the bench include Chief Justice Isa, along with Justice Ayesha A Malik, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Mussarat Hilali, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Amin-ud-Din, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Shahid Waheed and Justice Irfan Khan.

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Justice Afghan brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served in various capacities such as member of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Committee, chairman of the Building Committee, and chairman of the Committee for Utilization of Funds under the Provincial Judicial Development Fund. He has also contributed to the National Judicial Automation Committee among others.