The Judicial Commission (JC) of Pakistan announced it will review the performance of nine Lahore High Court (LHC) additional judges ahead of the completion of their one‑year tenure, in a move seen as part of broader efforts to uphold judicial standards and merit‑based confirmation.
According to official sources, performance evaluations and feedback reports of the nine additional judges have been forwarded to the JC ahead of its scheduled meeting to decide on their confirmations. The Commission’s review comes as additional judges across high courts in Pakistan face closer scrutiny before being confirmed as permanent judges.
These nine judges were originally appointed as additional judges in early 2025, following a decision by the JC and subsequent oath‑taking ceremonies presided over by Chief Justice of LHC Aalia Neelum.
Legal analysts say that such reviews are significant because additional judges are evaluated on case disposal rates, judicial conduct, and the quality of judgements, key criteria that influence their possible confirmation as permanent judges. In recent years, calls for more transparency in judicial reviews have increased amid public demand for accountability in the justice system.
The performance review gains added context in light of wider judicial developments, including recent resignations within the high court system. For instance, Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza resigned from the Lahore High Court, citing concerns over perceived pressures and challenges within the judiciary.
Experts also note that the LHC under Chief Justice Neelum has resolved a large backlog of cases in 2025 and introduced reforms to streamline trial procedures and improve access to justice.
The JC’s review of these nine judges is expected to set a benchmark for future confirmations and reinforce merit‑based promotions within the judiciary, a demand echoed by lawyers and civil society advocates alike.
