Islamabad: Riasat Ali Azad, President of the Islamabad High Court Bar, emphasized the need for constitutional amendments to increase the number of judges in Pakistan. In an interview, he outlined the constitutional process required to achieve this and the political challenges associated with it.
Azad explained that to expand the number of judges, a constitutional amendment is necessary, which requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament. He pointed out that without such a majority, passing a bill to increase the number of judges would be impossible. Azad criticized the idea of securing this majority through “horse trading,” where members are allegedly swayed with incentives, calling it a misuse of power.
He questioned the government’s reluctance to address the backlog of 700,000 pending cases across the country by increasing the number of judges. According to Azad, the frequent litigation over misuse of power often delays the resolution of ordinary citizens’ cases, leading to public dissatisfaction.
Azad also criticized recent legislation related to the transfer of Islamabad High Court judges, suggesting that the motives behind it might be flawed. He argued that effective legislation should prioritize public welfare rather than serve narrow interests.
He expressed concern that such legislative actions could harm the economy, create a sense of deprivation among the public, and lead to instability. Azad stressed that the judiciary should remain independent and capable of resolving the country’s issues.
Regarding the judiciary’s role, Azad emphasized that civilian trials should not be conducted in military courts, which are meant for army personnel. He reiterated that the judiciary must remain focused on justice and avoid the pitfalls of political maneuvering.
This interview reflects Azad’s commitment to advocating for judicial reforms that align with the principles of justice and transparency, ensuring that legislative actions serve the broader interests of the nation.
