Islamabad, Pakistan – President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the confirmation and tenure extensions of additional judges serving in the Sindh, Lahore and Peshawar High Courts, a move aimed at strengthening judicial capacity and ensuring continuity in the country’s superior courts.
The approvals were granted on the advice of the prime minister and in line with recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. Officials said the decision addresses long-standing vacancies and is expected to help high courts manage increasing caseloads more effectively.
In the Sindh High Court, several additional judges have been confirmed as permanent members of the bench, while the tenure of a number of others has been extended for a further six months. The step is seen as vital to maintaining stability in judicial proceedings and reducing delays in case disposal.
At the Lahore High Court, a significant number of additional judges have also been elevated to permanent status. Alongside these confirmations, the president approved a limited tenure extension for an additional judge to ensure uninterrupted judicial functioning during the transition period.
Similarly, in the Peshawar High Court, multiple additional judges were confirmed, while others received short-term extensions. Legal circles note that these extensions allow the court to retain experienced judges as it works through a heavy backlog of cases.
Legal experts say the confirmations and extensions are essential for institutional continuity and public confidence in the justice system. Timely appointments, they argue, help strengthen judicial independence, reduce pressure on sitting judges and improve the overall efficiency of courts.
The move comes at a time when Pakistan’s judiciary is facing growing demands amid political, constitutional and governance-related litigation. Observers believe that reinforcing the high courts with confirmed judges will play a key role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring smoother administration of justice in the months ahead.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.