ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): After the 27th Constitutional Amendment was successfully passed by the parliament, the government has started the process of reconstituting the higher judiciary and the names of 7 judges have been shortlisted for the proposed Federal Constitutional Court (FFC).
According to a private newspaper report, this court is being established to interpret the constitution and resolve disputes between the federation and the provinces.
According to official sources, the government has started consultations for the formation of the new court, and Justice Aminuddin Khan is being considered for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court.
The names of Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi of the Supreme Court, Justice Musarat Hilali, Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Ali Baqir Najafi of the Supreme Court, besides Justice KK Agha of the Sindh High Court and Chief Justice Rozi Khan Breach of the Balochistan High Court are under consideration as initial members.
Sources say that the initial strength of the court will be determined by a presidential order, while the increase in the number of judges will be possible with the approval of Parliament. According to law ministry officials, the President will appoint judges on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
The proposal to establish the court was reintroduced under the 27th Constitutional Amendment to streamline the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and expedite the disposal of constitutional cases. According to the government, this move will reduce the burden on the judiciary and increase transparency in constitutional decisions.
The concept was first proposed in 2006 under the Charter for Democracy, later included in the 26th Amendment but was postponed due to political differences.
According to the proposed plan, the retirement age of judges will be fixed at 68 years, so that experienced judges can serve for a longer period. The court will be established in the Federal Sharia Court building in Islamabad, while the Sharia Court will be shifted to the Islamabad High Court building.
The Federal Constitutional Court will have full jurisdiction in matters related to the interpretation of the Constitution, disputes between the Federation and the provinces and constitutional provisions.
It will also have the authority to give decisions on presidential orders, constitutional amendments and questions sent by the Parliament or the President.
