Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has urged the political parties to put their differences behind and unite for a constitutional amendment regarding appointment of new judges in Supreme Court.

In his tweets on Monday, he pointed out that five judges of the apex court are retiring this year and it will be a big achievement if the parliament through a constitutional amendment makes appointments in Supreme Court transparent and independent.

The statement comes a day after Fawad on Sunday urged the judiciary to take stock of its rapidly declining reputation in the world rankings.

Fawad mentioned the question raised by Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem that if judges were not responsible for the assets of their wives and children, then how was it possible to hold politicians and bureaucrats accountable?

The minister said that the new chief justice would face this challenge when he would be sworn in.

Meanwhile, in another tweet, Fawad lauded the accomplishments of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed, who will be retiring on February 1.

“The historic stand he has taken for minority community places of worship have greatly enhanced his honor and respect,” said the federal minister.

Fawad said the Indian judiciary appears helpless at the hands of extremists. However our judges such as Justice Gulzar Ahmad supported the minorities and independently announced judgments.

Justice Ahmed is set to retire on February 1 (Tuesday) after two years and 42 days in office.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial will take over as the chief justice on February 2.