PESHAWAR: In a significant development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced the removal of the mandatory two-year legal experience criterion for the appointment of civil judges.
According to an official notification, this condition has been eliminated based on seniority cum fitness as outlined in Rule No. 5. The selection process will now be strictly on merit, ensuring transparency and fairness. The notification also states that promotions within BPS 19 to 21 will be granted solely based on regular departmental service, upon the recommendation of the Departmental Promotion Committee.
Furthermore, candidates aspiring for promotion will be required to pass relevant examinations and complete necessary training programs. However, the move has met opposition from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council, which has rejected the new appointment procedure. The Bar Council emphasized that the government should reconsider and withdraw this decision to uphold the integrity of the judicial appointment process.
This policy change marks a notable shift in the appointment criteria for civil judges in the province, aiming to streamline the process and promote merit-based selections.
