Supreme Court resumes judicial work as new year begins tomorrow, roster issued

ISLAMABAD: After the conclusion of judicial vacations, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) is set to commence its new judicial year tomorrow, marking the return to full judicial activity. In this regard, the new roster for the upcoming week has also been issued.

The day will begin with a Judicial Conference scheduled for 9:30 AM on September 8, where Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi will deliver an address to outline priorities and expectations for the coming year.

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Following the conference, the chief justice will inaugurate a newly established Facilitation Center at 10:30 AM, aimed at improving access to court services for litigants, lawyers, and the public.

At 11:30 AM, judicial proceedings will resume with a significant hearing before a five-member constitutional bench led by Justice Aminuddin Khan. The bench will hear a high-profile case concerning the controversial super tax, with 1,250 petitions scheduled for hearing.

On the administrative front, a full court meeting will be held at 1:00 PM, presided over by CJP Afridi. The full court is expected to review and deliberate on the Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) proposals regarding amendments to the Supreme Court Rules 2025.

JUDICIAL ROSTER AND BENCH FORMATIONS FOR NEXT WEEK

The SC has also released the cause list and judges’ roster for the upcoming week, confirming the formation of nine benches at its principal seat.

Highlights include:

• Bench One: Headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, joined by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Shafi Siddiqui, will hear cases throughout the week and will sit as a three-member bench on September 9.
• Bench Two: Headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, will operate as a two-member bench during the week, and will expand to a four-member bench on September 10, including Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Aqeel Abbasi, and Justice Shakeel Ahmed.
• Bench Three: A two-member bench led by Justice Muneeb Akhtar.
• Bench Four: A two-member bench led by Justice Ayesha Malik.
• Bench Five: A three-member bench headed by Justice Athar Minallah.
• Bench Six: A two-member bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Malik Shahzad.
• Bench Seven: A two-member bench comprising Justice Shahid Waheed and Justice Musarrat Hilali.
• Bench Eight: A three-member bench led by Justice Hashim Kakar.
• Bench Nine: A three-member bench comprising Justice Shakeel Ahmed and Justice Aamir Farooq.

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The docket is expected to be heavy, with major constitutional, tax, and civil matters set to come under scrutiny in the weeks ahead.