The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Thursday approved the confirmation of 11 out of 13 additional judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC) as permanent. The meeting was chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi.
The session reviewed the performance, conduct, and overall suitability of all 13 additional judges. Sources said two members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remained absent throughout the meeting.
The judges confirmed as permanent include Justice Hassan Nawaz Makhdoom, Justice Malik Waqar Haider Awan, Justice Sardar Akbar Ali, Justice Syed Ahsan Raza, Justice Malik Javed Iqbal, Justice Muhammad Jawad Zafar, Justice Khalid Ishaq, Justice Malik Muhammad Owais Khalid, Justice Chaudhry Sultan Mahmood, Justice Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, and Justice Abhar Gul.
Two judges were not made permanent. Additional Judge Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan was rejected, while Additional Judge Tariq Mahmood Bajwa was given a six-month extension for further assessment.
Officials said the move will strengthen judicial continuity at the LHC, improve case management, and reduce delays in court proceedings. Legal experts noted that confirming judges helps maintain stability in Punjab’s judiciary.
The JCP has recently confirmed judges in other high courts as well. This includes 100 additional judges of the Sindh High Court, three judges of the Islamabad High Court, and one permanent appointment at the Balochistan High Court. Discussions also included forming constitutional benches and reviewing Judicial Commission Rules 2024.
A special committee was authorized to provide recommendations to ensure a transparent, effective, and credible judicial system. Officials said the measures aim to enhance public confidence in judicial appointments and improve institutional processes.
In other related news also read LHC Judges Face Performance Evaluation By Judicial Commission
These confirmations mark a major step in strengthening the LHC and reflect ongoing efforts to standardize judicial appointments, enhance efficiency, and ensure smoother functioning of high courts across Pakistan.
