Justice Ali Baqar Najafi takes oath as SC Judge

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Yahya Afridi administered the oath to Justice Ali Baqar Najafi on Wednesday as Supreme Court, after President Zardari approved his ascension on Tuesday.

According to the notification shared on Tuesday, the appointment was to take effect from the day Justice Najafi takes the oath, and has been made under Articles 177 and 175-A of the Constitution.

The Judicial Commission had approved Justice Najafi’s appointment as a Supreme Court judge.

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), by a 9-4 majority, had selected Justice Najafi from the five most senior judges of the LHC to be elevated to the SC, despite opposition from Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and three other senior judges, according to Dawn.

JCP backs Justice Najafi for apex court seat: sources

Justice Najafi’s elevation drew dissent due to a past controversial decision involving the suspension of returning officers ahead of the 2024 general elections, which was overturned by the Supreme Court during the time of then-CJP Qazi Faez Isa, eventually paving the way for general elections in February 2024. Two PTI members of the JCP supported his appointment alongside government representatives.