PBC averse to idea of appointing ad hoc judges

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the desire expressed by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan to appoint ad-hoc Judges to the Supreme Court.
It was reported in the section of media on Wednesday that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali is going to put forth the names of two retired judges for reappointment to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on ad hoc basis.
Quoting sources, it was reported that the CJP has summoned a meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan in Lahore on December 3 for this purpose.
It was reported that the retired Judges were Justice Tariq Pervez and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain. Justice Tariq Pervez who was retired as Judge of the Supreme Court in February 2013 is currently a member of the Judicial Commission for the appointment of judges of superior courts and before his current assignment he also served as caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa during 2013 general elections. Similarly, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain retired as Judge of the Supreme Court in 2014.
“The Pakistan Bar Council and the legal fraternity read with grave concern the desire expressed by the JCP to appoint ad-hoc judges to the Supreme Court”, says a statement issued by Secretary Pakistan Bar Council on behalf of Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon, Chairman, Executive Committee, Pakistan Bar Council (PBC).
Mr Bhoon said that any such move would severely undermine the independence of judiciary and loss of confidence in it. He said that there are several unanimous resolutions of the Pakistan Bar Council and the Supreme Court Bar Association opposing such appointments.
“A judge who has retired must not be encouraged to be reappointed as it affects the image of the institution”, says the statement adding that this practice had dragged down the image of the Supreme Court earlier because of constant adhocism.
The Pakistan Bar Council urged the Judicial Commission to reverse its decision as it may give temporary relief but in the long term it would set an objectionable precedent that has been criticised by every faction of the bar councils and bar associations.