Azam Nazeer Tarar Proposes Judicial Commission to Include SC Judge and Four Parliament Members

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the 26th Constitutional Amendment bill in the Senate on Sunday, aiming to reform the judicial appointment process.

In his address, Tarar stated that a committee had been formed at the Speaker’s directive to thoroughly examine the amendment. He urged the Senate to proceed with the bill, which was added to the supplementary agenda.

The law minister emphasized that the judicial appointment procedures introduced in the 18th Amendment were designed to ensure transparency. A parliamentary committee was given the power to block nominations, he explained.

However, he pointed out that a petition had been filed in the Supreme Court, which led to the urgent 19th Amendment. This amendment modified the Judicial Commission’s composition, shifting its focus towards a single institution.

“Bar Councils have raised concerns about the current process for appointing judges to the higher judiciary,” said Tarar. He added that the Supreme Court Bar Association had called for an amendment to Article 175(3) of the Constitution. According to Tarar, the proposed Judicial Commission would be chaired by a Supreme Court judge and include four members of parliament.

The Chief Justice and judges from the constitutional court will also serve on the commission. “The Judicial Commission will have the authority to form constitutional benches,” he said.

Additionally, Tarar noted that the cabinet had agreed to vote on amendments proposed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) to build a broader consensus during the discussions surrounding the 18th Amendment. He also mentioned that the Speaker of the National Assembly would suggest a non-Muslim representative for the commission.