Justice Yahya Afridi Selected as Pakistan’s Next Chief Justice Amid Political Unrest

A special parliamentary committee in Pakistan has appointed Justice Yahya Afridi as the next Chief Justice, bypassing the traditional seniority principle. This decision follows the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which granted the committee the authority to appoint the top judge, replacing the seniority-based elevation system. Afridi was chosen over two senior judges, Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar, sparking concerns about deepening political turmoil.

Context and Key Decision

The committee, with a two-thirds majority, selected Afridi, third on the seniority list. Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party boycotted the process, favoring Judge Shah’s appointment. The change in the judiciary’s appointment process is criticized by opposition leaders and lawyers, heightening political tensions.

Implications and Political Turmoil

Afridi’s appointment comes just before Chief Justice Qazi Faez Esa’s retirement, following recent amendments allowing a 12-member committee to pick the Chief Justice. These changes are expected to further inflame political instability, which has worsened since Imran Khan’s 2022 ousting and subsequent legal battles.