Justice Yahya Afridi has been officially sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan.
In a grand ceremony held at the prestigious Aiwan-e-Sadr, also known as the President’s House, President Asif Ali Zardari ceremoniously administered the oath to Justice Yahya Afridi. This significant event marks his esteemed appointment as Chief Justice of Pakistan.
The ceremony, set against the regal backdrop of the Presidential Palace, was attended by a distinguished assembly, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the leaders of the three armed forces, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, alongside other senior members of the judiciary. Notable figures such as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, as well as other government officials like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Punjab Governor Saleem Haider, were also present. Several federal ministers and respected dignitaries graced the occasion with their presence.
Furthermore, the occasion was honored by the presence of Supreme Court Justices Ayesha Malik and Athar Minallah, adding to the solemnity of the event.
Remarkably, following the ratification of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a special parliamentary committee nominated Justice Yahya Afridi for the prestigious role of Chief Justice, a testament to his judicial acumen and esteemed standing.
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi said that he will ensure the rule of law for the people of Pakistan and he will also ensure that the principle of sovereignty of the three pillars of the state succeeds.
Earlier, Designated Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi honored the outgoing CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa with a heartfelt tribute.
In a full court reference acknowledging Justice Isa’s contributions, Justice Afridi expressed regret over his departure, emphasizing that Justice Isa’s absence will be keenly felt and that working alongside him had been a significant learning experience.
Justice Afridi also mentioned that the luncheon held in Justice Isa’s honor was personally funded, underlining the camaraderie among the judiciary. He acknowledged that while he and Justice Isa sometimes held differing opinions on various benches, Justice Isa always welcomed diverse viewpoints with openness