By Syed Atiq ul Hassan
In a remarkable start to his tenure, Pakistan’s new Chief Justice Yahya Afridi has swiftly initiated transformative changes to revive the Supreme Judiciary’s reputation. Within just 48 hours of
assuming office, Chief Justice Afridi has made several impactful decisions that have resonated with the public, who see his actions as a refreshing step toward a fairer, more transparent judicial system.
On his first day, Chief Justice Afridi overturned one of the most controversial decisions of his predecessors, reconstituting the three-judge bench-fixing committee under the Practice and Procedure Committee. This move included reinstating Justice Munib Akhtar, a respected judge known for his integrity, signalling Afridi’s commitment to strengthening judicial impartiality and credibility. This reconfiguration aims to restore balance and transparency in the court’s internal practices, which had been a point of contention under previous administrations.
Among the bold actions taken by Chief Justice Afridi was the decision to lift restrictions on visits to Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister, who has been held in custody under contentious circumstances. Afridi’s orders allow Khan’s wife, Bushra Imran, as well as family members Aleemah Khanum and Uzma Khanum, to visit him, with regular access also granted to his legal team and relatives. This compassionate move has been lauded nationwide, as it upholds the basic rights of detainees and reflects Afridi’s stance against politically motivated restrictions.
The Chief Justice’s assertive steps have sparked optimism across Pakistan, where many now hope for the release of Imran Khan and a potential clearing of politically motivated charges against PTI leaders and workers. Chief Justice Afridi’s actions mark a pivotal shift in the judiciary’s approach, with citizens expressing relief and satisfaction that justice may once again serve the people, rather than political agendas.
With the judiciary undergoing these initial changes under his stewardship, Chief Justice Afridi is setting a promising example, and Pakistanis eagerly await further decisions aimed at strengthening the rule of law and restoring judicial independence. His early actions are not only restoring faith in the judiciary but also hinting at a new era where legal reforms could pave the way toward national stability and unity.
The two top culprits of damaging the Judiciary system and ruin the democratic process in Pakistan, Former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Issa and corrupt most politician Nawaz Sharif, both, run away from Pakistan in the dark of the night.
The two top culprits responsible for damaging Pakistan’s judiciary and undermining its democratic process, former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Issa and the widely accused corrupt politician Nawaz Sharif, have both reportedly fled Pakistan under the cover of darkness, leaving behind a judiciary and political landscape in need of reform and healing. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi already escaped to UAE and many more scoundrels are expected to leave Pakistan before they will be put on exit control list.
(The writer is a Sydney-based journalist a political analyst and editor, Tribune International, Australia. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com).
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