ISLAMABAD: Three judges of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) have officially taken their oaths in the initial phase of the court’s establishment. Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Baqi Najafi, and Justice Amir Farooq were sworn in today.
The oath-taking ceremony was officiated by Justice Aminuddin Khan, the first Chief Justice of the court. Justice Sarfraz Dogar, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, also attended the event.
Prior to this, the Ministry of Law had issued an official notification announcing the appointment of the judges to the Federal Constitutional Court. According to the document, the FCC will consist of six judges: Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Amir Farooq, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice KK Agha, and Justice Rozi Khan representing Balochistan. Additionally, Justice Arshad Hussain Shah from the Peshawar High Court will serve as one of the court’s judges.
Reports suggest that the Federal Constitutional Court may later expand its bench to include up to thirteen judges.
Earlier in the day, Justice Aminuddin Khan was sworn in as the inaugural Chief Justice of the newly-formed FCC during a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, administered by President Asif Ali Zardari. The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, senior leaders of the Pakistan Air Force and Navy, and other prominent officials were in attendance.
Justice Aminuddin Khan’s appointment as Chief Justice was finalized a day prior to his swearing-in. The decision was approved by President Zardari on the advice of the Prime Minister, just days before Khan’s scheduled retirement from service.
Having led the Constitutional Bench in his tenure, Justice Khan has built a reputable legacy by handling some of Pakistan’s most pivotal and sensitive legal cases, cementing his expertise and authority.
