Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was officially appointed as a member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Thursday.
Gohar’s nomination, proposed by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, received approval from Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi. His appointment follows the resignation of Omar Ayub from the position. Additionally, Senator Barrister Ali Zafar was also notified as a JCP member earlier this week, succeeding Senator Shibli Faraz, who stepped down.
Both Ayub and Faraz cited multiple legal cases filed against them after PTI’s Islamabad protest turned violent as the reason for their resignations. Faraz emphasized his commitment to contributing to judicial reforms but expressed frustration over the false cases hampering his ability to fulfill his responsibilities. Similarly, Ayub stated that ongoing legal challenges made it difficult to continue serving in the role.
The JCP, led by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, is responsible for appointing judges to the Supreme Court, high courts, and Federal Shariat Court, as well as evaluating the performance of high court judges. It includes members from the judiciary, legislature, and legal community, with nominations guided by constitutional amendments.
In his resignation, Faraz reaffirmed his dedication to justice and the betterment of Pakistan’s judicial system, highlighting the challenges posed by recent legal developments. Ayub expressed confidence in Barrister Gohar’s ability to contribute effectively to the commission, commending his legal expertise, integrity, and commitment.
