Two retired Supreme Court justices, Sardar Tariq Masood and Mazhar Alam Miankhel, are set to be sworn in as ad hoc judges on Monday.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa will administer the oath at 11 am in the Judges Block Committee Room. The appointment, approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, comes after a notification was issued confirming the appointment of the two former justices for a one-year term.
This move, made under Article 182 of the Constitution, aims to increase the court’s capacity to deliver justice efficiently. The appointment of these experienced judges is expected to significantly bolster the Supreme Court’s ability to manage its growing caseload.
Justice Masood is known for his expertise in constitutional and civil law, while Justice Mian Khel is recognized for his contributions to criminal law and human rights. Both have distinguished careers in the judiciary and are expected to bring valuable experience to the court.
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The ad-hoc appointment of judges is a constitutional mechanism allowing for the temporary addition of judges to the Supreme Court to effectively manage caseloads. With the addition of these two ad hoc judges, the Supreme Court now has a strength of 19, consisting of 17 permanent and 2 ad hoc judges.