Islamabad, October 26, 2024 – The Europe Today: President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath of office to Justice Yahya Afridi on Saturday, officially appointing him as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan. The ceremony, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, was attended by key government and military officials, marking a significant transition in Pakistan’s judiciary. Justice Afridi succeeds Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who retired on October 25 after completing his tenure as the country’s top judge.
Justice Afridi’s appointment is historic, as he is the first Chief Justice appointed under the provisions of Articles 175A(3), 177, and 179 of the Constitution, enacted following the 26th Constitutional Amendment. He will serve in this role for a constitutionally mandated term of three years.
Among the dignitaries present were Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and several prominent Supreme Court judges, including Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aisha Malik. Former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and various parliamentarians also attended, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
Justice Afridi’s appointment as Chief Justice reflects Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring judicial independence, and advancing constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening the judiciary.
