Justice Yahya Afridi Appointed as Pakistan's New Chief Justice Amidst Political Tensions

In a historic move, Pakistan's Special Parliamentary Committee appoints Justice Yahya Afridi as the next chief justice, overriding the principle of seniority. This follows the 26th Constitutional Amendment, causing political friction and sparking protests from opposition parties, who view it as a governmental power play over judicial appointments.

Justice Yahya Afridi has been chosen as Pakistan's new chief justice by the Special Parliamentary Committee, breaking with the traditional seniority-based appointment system. The decision follows the recent adoption of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which revised judicial appointment procedures.

This historic decision, confirmed by law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, was met with a significant backlash from opposition parties, including PTI, who condemned the appointment as a political maneuver. They argue that the appointment method undermines the judiciary's autonomy.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowed to protest against the amendment, claiming it centralizes power and politicizes the judiciary. The new process represents a shift in government-judiciary relations, seeking to reduce perceived judicial influence over governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)