The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has fully accepted Justice Yahya Afridi as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan, confirmed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar on Wednesday. He clarified that, despite PTI’s opposition to the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the party accepts Afridi’s appointment.
Talking to The News, Barrister Gohar stated that PTI wholeheartedly rejects the 26th Amendment but respects Justice Yahya Afridi’s new role as Chief Justice. According to him, though Afridi’s appointment is tied to this amendment, PTI will not contest his position.
A PTI source mentioned that some party members suggested demanding Justice Afridi’s resignation. However, Barrister Gohar refuted this idea, saying no such option was ever on the table. He further explained that PTI’s political committee recently agreed to participate in the Judicial Commission, despite ongoing internal debate.
Advice to Justice Afridi
Senior lawyer and PTI senator Hamid Khan had earlier advised Justice Afridi to decline the Chief Justice position and wait for his “rightful turn.” Addressing the Lahore High Court Bar Association, Khan warned that assuming the role early could harm Afridi’s reputation. “Justice Yahya Afridi should preserve his honour by waiting. The government aims to divide the judiciary through this premature appointment,” Hamid Khan stated.
Hamid Khan Group Defeated in Bar Association Elections
Hamid Khan and other PTI leaders had high hopes for the Supreme Court Bar Association election, where the Hamid Khan group opposed the 26th Amendment and Justice Afridi’s appointment. However, the election results favoured the Ahsan Bhoon group, which supports the amendment and Afridi’s appointment as Chief Justice.
PTI has remained divided on participating in the Judicial Commission, an entity created under the 26th Amendment to appoint judges and form constitutional benches. Initially, PTI nominated members for the Special Parliamentary Committee but later boycotted its proceedings, citing opposition to the amendment.
During the last political committee meeting, several members, including Barrister Gohar, Ali Zafar, and Omar Ayub, advocated joining the Judicial Commission to retain influence over constitutional bench appointments. They warned that boycotting the process could give the government unchecked authority over judicial decisions.
PTI’s Strategic Participation in the Judiciary
Ultimately, PTI chose to join the Judicial Commission, aiming to safeguard its influence on constitutional matters. This strategic decision underscores the party’s intention to balance opposition to the 26th Amendment with participation in judicial processes that affect Pakistan’s governance and legal structure.
With Justice Yahya Afridi now serving as Chief Justice, PTI appears committed to respecting his role while continuing to voice its concerns on the amendment. This approach reflects the party’s nuanced strategy, aiming to remain influential within Pakistan’s judicial landscape while opposing specific government-led constitutional changes.
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