ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Shibli Faraz has resigned as a member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), following his party colleague Umar Ayub Khan.
Acting on the instructions of PTI founder chairman Imran Khan, Senator Faraz has recommended Senator Barrister Ali Zafar as his replacement in the 13-member commission.
The development comes a day after the resignation of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Umar, who cited ‘numerous’ FIRs and legal cases against him as the reason for his resignation.
In his resignation, the former federal minister said it had always been his “strong desire to play a meaningful role in improving the judicial system in the country and upholding the principles of justice.”
The role was not only deeply challenging but very close to my heart, given its vital importance to the national interest, especially in the light of recent reforms and the increasing erosion of justice that the nation is facing, he said. .
“Unfortunately, I find myself embroiled in a series of unjustified false cases. Despite my efforts to clear the allegations, a fresh wave of FIRs were registered against me, further exacerbating my condition. “These circumstances have made it impossible for me to devote the undivided attention and attention that this important responsibility demands,” he said, citing the reasons for his resignation. said
Umar and Faraz were nominated last month along with two other lawmakers from the Upper House and the Lower House, after the forum was reconstituted after the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
This body is headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and consists of two senators, two MNAs, three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, the most senior judges of the Constitution Bench. Senior Judge, Federal Law Minister, Attorney General, an Advocate are included. Having less than 15 years of practice experience in the Supreme Court, nominated by the Pakistan Bar Council for two years.
The JCP is tasked with appointing judges to the Supreme Court, High Courts and the Federal Shariat Court, as well as monitoring the performance of High Court judges and preparing their annual performance review.
Umar had submitted his resignation to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq a day earlier and said that he could not continue as a member due to legal challenges.
In his resignation, the politician nominated PTI chairman and NA member Barrister Gohar Ali Khan to replace him in the commission.
“I am writing to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. This decision has been taken after much deliberation and is necessitated by the number of FIRs and legal cases filed against me. That needs my immediate and undivided attention.
“Current legal challenges hinder my ability to serve the commission effectively, and I believe it is in the best interest of the institution to be allowed to assume this important role with a clear focus,” he said Tuesday. wrote in resignation.
Umar expressed confidence that Barrister Gauhar will be a valuable asset to the Commission due to his legal acumen, integrity and dedication.
The opposition leader has been embroiled in several cases filed on alleged terrorism, violent protests and other charges related to PTI’s legal battles against the government.