Justice Yahya Afridi, born on January 23, 1965, in Dera Ghazi Khan, has been nominated as the next Chief Justice of Pakistan. His nomination, approved by the parliamentary committee with a two-thirds majority, is now awaiting final approval from the prime minister.
Justice Yahya Afridi’s legal journey stands as a testament to a distinguished career, marked by significant contributions to the judiciary at both provincial and federal levels.
He began his education at Aitchison College in Lahore, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, before graduating from Government College, Lahore. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Punjab. His academic path took a pivotal turn when he earned a Commonwealth Scholarship and completed an LL.M. from Jesus College, Cambridge University. His studies at Cambridge provided him with a profound understanding of international legal systems and sharpened his skills for what would become a prominent judicial career in Pakistan.
Afridi commenced his legal practice in 1990, initially working as an advocate in the high courts. His expertise and professionalism propelled him forward, and by 2004, he was practicing in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
During his career, Justice Afridi held several key roles, including serving as the Assistant Advocate General for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This role allowed him to gain a deep insight into the legal challenges specific to the province, solidifying his reputation as a dedicated and capable lawyer.
In 2010, Justice Yahya Afridi was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Peshawar High Court. His dedication to the judiciary and his ability to handle complex legal issues were quickly recognized, and by March 15, 2012, he was made a permanent judge of the court.
Justice Afridi’s career continued to advance, and on December 30, 2016, he took the oath as Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court. His tenure was marked by his handling of numerous high-profile cases, earning him widespread respect for his fairness and commitment to upholding justice.
On June 28, 2018, Justice Afridi was elevated to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, where he began making significant contributions at the highest judicial level. He has played a key role in many important cases during his time in the superior judiciary. Among them was his involvement in a larger bench that reviewed the case concerning reserved seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council, where his independent legal thinking was highlighted through a well-regarded dissenting note.
In another notable case, Justice Afridi was part of the nine-member larger bench that reviewed the presidential reference concerning the controversial hanging of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This case, with its deep historical and political significance in Pakistan, positioned Afridi as a key figure in the nation’s legal landscape.
In 2024, he made headlines again when he declined to join a three-member judges’ committee formed to review the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Ordinance, showcasing his principled and measured approach as a judge.
Throughout his career, Justice Afridi has been a steadfast advocate for judicial independence. Notably, he was a petitioner against the emergency imposed by then-President Pervez Musharraf on November 3, 2007. This emergency led to the suspension of the judiciary, and many judges were placed under house arrest. Justice Afridi’s opposition to these events underscored his unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the judiciary’s vital role in maintaining the rule of law.
As Justice Yahya Afridi’s name moves forward for final approval by the prime minister, his extensive experience as both a lawyer and judge, along with his involvement in some of Pakistan’s most significant legal decisions, makes him a highly capable and experienced candidate for the role of Chief Justice.
His appointment comes at a crucial time in Pakistan’s legal and political history, and he is expected to lead the Supreme Court through complex, sensitive cases. This new chapter will likely further cement his legacy as a vital figure in Pakistan’s judiciary, known for his fairness, independence, and commitment to justice.
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