The Supreme Court Forms New Judicial Council as LHC Assembles Full Bench for 27th Amendment Petitions in a major development that has sparked intense national debate. The Supreme Court officially released the notification on Tuesday, confirming the formation of a new Judicial Council under Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. This move has quickly become one of the most searched legal and political stories in Pakistan today, driving high search interest around trending keywords such as Supreme Court Pakistan, Judicial Council, 27th Amendment, and judicial independence.
The notification confirms that Federal Constitutional Court Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan will serve as the second senior member. Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Hassan Rizvi, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail complete the council. Analysts note that these names dominate trending searches due to the growing public focus on judicial reforms in Pakistan.
Justice Mandokhail received his nomination through joint consultation between CJP Afridi and CJ Aminuddin Khan. This rare agreement has drawn attention from legal experts, especially as Justice Mandokhail recently received multiple important responsibilities, including a role in the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Committee.
The same notification reveals that Justice Aamer Farooq of the Federal Constitutional Court has now joined the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. This addition adds another trending layer to ongoing conversations about judicial appointments.
LHC Moves Forward on 27th Amendment Challenge
The Lahore High Court has taken a significant step by forming a three member full bench to hear petitions challenging the 27th Constitutional Amendment. This development has surged in online searches, especially under keywords like 27th Amendment Pakistan, LHC full bench, constitutional crisis, and judicial autonomy.
LHC Chief Justice Alia Neelam constituted the bench. Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan will head it, with Justice Jawad Hassan and Justice Sultan Tanveer serving as members. The petitions name the prime minister and the National Assembly speaker as respondents through their secretaries.
Petitioners argue that the 27th Amendment undermines the Supreme Court and threatens the judiciary’s independence. They claim it abolishes the Supreme Court’s original constitutional authority by transforming it into a Federal Constitutional Court. According to the petitions, this change alters the foundation of Pakistan’s judicial structure.
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Petitioners further contend that the amendment violates Islamic clauses, fundamental rights, and the constitutional promise of judicial autonomy. They also maintain that the federal government passed the amendment without consulting the provinces, which weakens Pakistan’s federal balance. Lawyers, civil society, journalists, and other stakeholders were not consulted, making the legislative process incomplete and non participatory.
The petitions request the Lahore High Court to strike down the 27th Constitutional Amendment. They also seek a stay order to stop its implementation until the court delivers a final judgment.
