Formation of Parliamentary Committee Underway for New CJP Appointment Following 26th Amendment

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has initiated the process of forming a parliamentary committee to recommend candidates for the appointment of the new Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). Parliamentary leaders have been asked to submit their recommendations for committee members, which will consist of four members from the National Assembly and eight from the Senate.

The committee’s formation follows the passing of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which was approved by the National Assembly with 225 votes, despite a walkout by PTI parliamentarians. Earlier, the Senate passed the bill with 65 votes in favor and four opposing it.

The 26th Amendment introduces significant reforms to the judiciary, including a fixed three-year term for the Chief Justice, the establishment of constitutional benches, and the restructuring of the Supreme Judicial Council. The most notable provision is the creation of a Special Parliamentary Committee that will be responsible for recommending names for the Chief Justice’s appointment from a panel of the three senior-most judges provided by the Ministry of Law.

The National Assembly Secretariat has already issued the gazette notification following the ascent of President Asif Ali Zardari. These reforms aim to bring more transparency and accountability to the judicial appointment process in Pakistan.