Islamabad (Pakistan News Online) The National Assembly has approved amendments extending the service term of armed forces chiefs to five years and increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 34. Additionally, the Assembly passed the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Amendment Act 2024 by majority vote.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar presented the amendments to increase the number of Supreme Court judges and the Practice and Procedure Amendment Bill. The amendment bills concerning the service term of the armed forces chiefs were presented by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif. Following clause-by-clause approval, the Speaker adjourned the session until 11 a.m. the next day.
The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began two hours and 40 minutes late. Law Minister Tarar highlighted the need to increase the number of Supreme Court judges to address prolonged case backlogs and said this move was a longstanding demand of the Bar bodies and the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Tarar clarified that the number of judges in the Supreme Court is being increased to 34, with the Judicial Commission of Pakistan empowered to adjust this number as needed. He added that in the initial phase, 6-8 additional judges might be necessary, with adjustments made over time.
Later, the Law Minister presented the Islamabad High Court Amendment Bill 2024, proposing to increase the number of judges in the Islamabad High Court from 9 to 12 to manage a backlog of cases. This amendment bill was also approved by the Assembly.
Amidst intense opposition protest and slogan chanting, the Assembly passed both amendment bills. During the approval process, government and opposition members faced off, with physical confrontations occurring, including some members grabbing each other’s collars.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif then introduced a bill extending the service term of armed forces chiefs to five years, which was passed by a majority vote.
Asif also presented amendments to the Army Act 1952, Pakistan Navy Act 1952, and Pakistan Air Force Act 2024, which the Assembly approved clause by clause despite opposition protests and chants.