CJP Justice Yahya Afridi welcomes the transfer of three judges from three high courts to IHC
Says Judges from other provinces should also get a fair chance
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi on Monday welcomed the transfer of three judges from three high courts to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) amid opposition from the capital’s legal fraternity, terming the move a “fair chance” for judges from other provinces.
During the oath-taking ceremony of the Press Association of the Supreme Court (PAS), CJP Yahya Afridi — while welcoming the transfer of judges — said that the IHC was not part of any area rather it belonged to the entire country. “Judges from other provinces should also get a fair chance,” CJP Afridi said.
The CJP said that the issue regarding the transfer of judges should not be confused with the appointment of judges. “Appointment and transfer of judges are two separate issues,” CJP Afridi said, adding that judges who were transferred to the IHC were already high court judges. He appreciated the initiative and said that the process should continue in the future.
“Islamabad is the symbol of federation. A Baloch-speaking judge has joined, a Sindhi-speaking judge has joined, so you should rejoice [this moment],” the CJP said, stating that the federation belonged to everyone.
“The transfer happened according to the Constitution. It is a good step taken under Article 200,” he said. “More judges should come from other provinces,” the CJP added.
He said that as the chief justice, his vision should be broader and that there was a need for more judges in the SC, highlighting that he heard 40 cases on Monday and other benches have also heard 30 cases each.
He said, “We are sent to school to become gentlemen,” adding that he had no objections to the transfers as they were conducted under constitutional provisions. Chief justice said that the residents of the far flung areas need more hard work to compete with the residents of the big cities.
When asked about judges’ reservations regarding the transfers, the chief justice assured that he was actively working to address concerns and would continue efforts in this regard. “I will meet with all judges, including those of the high courts, and with time, everything will be resolved,” he added. Chief justice he will express his view point regarding the inter se seniority of the judges in judicial commission of Pakistan’s meeting.
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail administered oath to the newly elected office-bearers of PAS.