Justice Yahya Afridi by The Supreme Court was sworn in as the 30th Chief Justice of India on Saturday.
President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to him at the President’s House in Islamabad. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and other Supreme Court judges also participated in the swearing-in ceremony.
After taking oath, Justice Yahya Afridi assumed his duties as Chief Justice for three years.
As a result of the recent constitutional amendment, the Special Parliamentary Committee responsible for the appointment of the Chief Justice of Pakistan on October 22 nominated Justice Yahya Afridi, the third most senior judge in the Supreme Court, as the Chief Justice.
This nomination was confirmed by President Asif Ali Zardari on October 23.
According to the statement issued by the Presidency, President Asif Ali Zardari appointed Justice Yahya Afridi under Article 175 A (3), 177 and 179 of the Constitution.
After approval from the President, the Ministry of Law issued a notification for the appointment of the Chief Justice on the same day.
Yahya Afridi was born on January 23, 1965 in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He studied at Aitchison and obtained an LL.M. from Cambridge University on a Commonwealth scholarship.
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He graduated from Govt College, Lahore, while also holding an MA in Economics from Punjab University and started practicing law in 1990.
Justice Yahya Afridi started practicing as a High Court advocate in 1990.
He was also appointed as the Assistant Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while in 2004 he started appearing as a lawyer in the Supreme Court.
On March 15, 2010, he was appointed as a judge of the Peshawar High Court, he was the first judge from FATA to be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court on December 30, 2016. On June 28, 2018, he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court.
He had ruled against the eight-judge majority judgment in the reserved seats case and issued his dissenting note.
Justice Yahya Afridi was also part of the nine-member larger bench of the Supreme Court on the presidential reference against the execution of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
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Interview with Justice Yahya Afridi: Pakistan’s Newly Appointed Chief Justice
Interviewer: Thank you, Justice Afridi, for joining us today. Congratulations on your recent appointment as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan. How are you feeling after the swearing-in ceremony?
Justice Yahya Afridi: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to serve in this high capacity. I feel a mix of humility and responsibility as I take on this significant role in our judiciary.
Interviewer: You were appointed after a recent constitutional amendment and nomination by the Special Parliamentary Committee. Can you share your thoughts on the importance of this new process in appointing the Chief Justice?
Justice Afridi: The new process is a step towards transparency and accountability in the judiciary. It involves more stakeholders and aims to ensure that the most qualified individuals are chosen for this vital position. I believe this will strengthen the citizens’ trust in our judicial system.
Interviewer: You’ve had an extensive career in law and have served as a judge in the Supreme Court. What are your immediate priorities as the Chief Justice?
Justice Afridi: My immediate priorities include addressing backlogs in cases, ensuring timely justice, and upholding the rule of law. I also intend to focus on enhancing legal aid for the underprivileged and promoting judicial reforms.
Interviewer: As you take on this role, what message do you want to send to the public about the judiciary and its role in society?
Justice Afridi: I want to assure the public that the judiciary is committed to justice and fairness. We are here to uphold their rights and provide them with a fair trial. Our independence from outside influences is paramount, and we will strive to protect the Constitution.
Interviewer: Justice Afridi, you have a diverse academic background, including an LL.M. from Cambridge University. How do you believe your education will influence your role as Chief Justice?
Justice Afridi: My education has equipped me with a broader perspective on legal principles and international norms. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and ongoing education in the law. I will use this knowledge to enhance our legal framework and apply best practices in our courts.
Interviewer: Thank you, Justice Afridi, for sharing your insights today. We wish you the best in your tenure as Chief Justice.
Justice Afridi: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my vision for our judiciary.
Judge in various capacities. How do you plan to use your experience to address the challenges facing the judiciary in Pakistan today?
Justice Yahya Afridi: My journey through different levels of the judiciary has equipped me with a deep understanding of the legal landscape in our country. I intend to focus on enhancing access to justice, reducing case backlogs, and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. We must work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the bar associations and civil society, to make real progress.
Interviewer: There are ongoing discussions about judicial reforms in Pakistan. What changes do you envision during your tenure?
Justice Afridi: Judicial reforms are essential for the evolution of our legal system. I will advocate for measures that promote efficiency and reduce delays in case resolution. Furthermore, I believe in incorporating technology into our judicial processes to make them more accessible and transparent.
Interviewer: Regarding recent high-profile cases, what is your stance on ensuring impartiality and fairness in judicial proceedings?
Justice Afridi: Impartiality is the cornerstone of our judiciary. It is my commitment to ensure that all cases are handled without bias, regardless of the parties involved. Fairness must be at the heart of our decisions to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
Interviewer: what message would you like to convey to the youth and aspiring lawyers in Pakistan as you step into this role?
Justice Afridi: I urge the youth to engage actively with the legal system, as they are the future of our judiciary. Education, integrity, and dedication to justice are critical. I encourage young lawyers to uphold these values and contribute positively to our society.
Interviewer: Thank you, Justice Afridi, for your insights. We wish you all the best in your new role as Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Justice Afridi: Thank you for having me. I appreciate your good wishes as I embark on this important journey.
