NA Debates Bill to Increase SC Judges Amid Backlog Concerns

The National Assembly witnessed a fiery session as a bill proposing an increase in the number of Supreme Court judges was introduced by PML-N MNA Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry. The bill, aimed at addressing the growing backlog of over 54,000 cases, was met with resistance from opposition leaders who argued that such a significant proposal should come from the government rather than as a private member’s bill.

The bill was referred to the NA Standing Committee for further consultation after Speaker Ayaz Sadiq postponed the debate, citing the need for careful consideration of all judicial reform proposals. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar acknowledged the necessity of reforms but clarified that the government has not yet decided on increasing the number of judges. The session was adjourned until Wednesday morning.

In addition, Noor Alam Khan introduced a bill requiring a minimum of nine judges to hear public cases in the Supreme Court and providing the right to appeal. This bill, along with others, was also referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for further deliberation.