President appoints Justice Ali Baqar Najafi as SC Judge

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Law and Justice has issued a notification confirming the appointment of Justice Ali Baqar Najafi as the Supreme Court (SC) Judge by President Zardari on Tuesday. Justice Najafi was previously serving as a judge of the Lahore High Court (LHC).

According to the notification, the appointment will take effect from the day he takes the oath, and has been made under Articles 177 and 175-A of the Constitution.

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.

The JCP deliberated on concerns raised in previous meetings about the public reputation of judicial nominees, particularly senior puisne judge Shujaat Ali Khan, stressing that allegations without proof could permanently damage judicial reputations. The meeting also considered, but did not approve, the elevation of LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum to the Supreme Court, and appointed retired judges from various high courts as members of the JCP for future consultations related to their respective jurisdictions.