The Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Malik Shahzad Ahmed, has hinted at the potential summoning of the Punjab Chief Minister in connection with delays in the appointment of judges.
Chief Justice Ahmed presided over the session, expressing his concern over the ongoing situation and the implications for the judicial system. He pointed out the necessity of amending the law if the current procedures continue to hinder judicial appointments. He advocated for transparency, suggesting that if consultations are mandated by law, they should be conducted openly in court rather than behind closed doors.
During the proceedings, the Chief Justice questioned the government’s involvement in every case if consultations were procedural and not substantive. He emphasized the court’s role in imparting justice without any political affiliations.
Addressing the Advocate General of Punjab, Chief Justice Ahmed expressed frustration over the lack of progress in judicial appointments despite previous assurances. He criticized the Advocate General’s reluctance to discuss the matter openly in court and cautioned against becoming a party to the ongoing issues. The Chief Justice noted that repeated failures to appoint judges amounted to contempt of court and stated clearly that the court’s primary concern is not the correctness of the government’s actions but rather ensuring that justice is administered effectively.
The Chief Justice also highlighted inconsistencies in statements from legal officers regarding the appointments, pointing out that initial promises of swift action had given way to delays justified by the need for further consultations.
