Justice Yahya Afridi has taken the oath of office as the 30th chief justice of Pakistan in a swearing-in ceremony at the President’s House.
President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to the new chief justice.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with chief ministers, governors, federal ministers, and senior military officials, joined in the ceremony. High-ranking members of the legal fraternity, former chief justices and representatives from civil society were also present.
Several ambassadors and high commissioners, including those from Pakistan’s close ally nations, also participated in the event. Members of the National Assembly and Senate were also invited to witness the ceremony.
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A day ago, in his address at a reference, chief justice-designate Yahya Afridi stressed the importance of ensuring the distribution of powers and the supremacy of law within the nation.
He called for immediate attention to be given to the district judiciary in remote areas, stating, “My first preference would be the district judiciary of far-flung areas.”
Justice Afridi acknowledged the significant role of the chief justice in protecting the rights of women and children during his tenure, adding, “The principle of separation of powers will be followed.”
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Justice Afridi, known for his extensive judicial experience and well-regarded for his integrity and fair-mindedness, will take over the role from Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Following the president's approval, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued a formal notification for his three-year appointment.
The appointment was made after a 12-member parliamentary committee nominated Justice Afridi with a two-third majority. The committee's decision, finalized with a vote of 8-1, saw JUI Senator Kamran Murtaza supporting Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, while PTI members were notably absent from the meeting.
The nomination was forwarded to the president by the prime minister.
