ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday gave a week’s deadline time for all vacant positions for judges to be filled, noting that things do not get done easily in the country.
Hearing a suo motu case on non-functioning tribunals and special courts across Pakistan, the CJP told the government to fill all vacant positions by next Friday [January 19]. “For judicial reforms, it is imperative that no judge positions remain unoccupied,” he added.
The chief justice also asked Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali to explain why the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) prosecutor general had not yet been appointed. At this, the attorney general assured the CJP that “NAB prosecutor general will be appointed by tomorrow.”
When asked to disclose details of vacancies in Islamabad, Ausaf said six judges in the capital have an additional charge.
Meanwhile, Sindh advocate general told the court that 56 special courts and tribunals are operating in Sindh — a number the chief justice had his doubts on. “If that’s the case, then submit the Sindh chief secretary’s affidavit,” the Justice Saqib Nisar said.
“If the affidavit is found to be incorrect, we will see what actions need to be taken,” he added.
The chief justice was told that Punjab has a sole vacancy — in an anti-corruption court — and its nomination has already been sent to the Punjab chief minister for approval.
“Get the nomination approved soon,” the CJ responded.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s assistant advocate general reported that his province only has a court problem, to which the chief justice remarked: “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also has an environmental problem.”
The chief justice said lawyers should also be considered for vacant positions. “I want lawyers to also be accommodated in these vacant positions. If there is a capable lawyer then the attorney general can nominate him,” he said.
The case’s hearing was adjourned until next Friday.