Pakistan’s Supreme Judicial Council Rejects 19 Complaints Against Judges

On July 12, 2025, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) of Pakistan dismissed 19 out of 24 complaints against superior court judges, deferring five for further review, as reported by Dawn.com. Chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, the council’s decision underscores a commitment to judicial accountability while raising questions about transparency in handling misconduct allegations. The move, which includes approving new administrative rules, signals ongoing efforts to reform Pakistan’s judicial oversight.

The SJC, convened at the Supreme Court in Islamabad, included senior puisne judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah (via video link), Justice Munib Akhtar, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, and Sindh High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar. The council reviewed 24 complaints under Article 209 of the Constitution, which governs judicial accountability. According to a press release cited by The Frontier Post, the 19 dismissed complaints were deemed unfounded, though specifics, including judges’ names, were withheld, citing confidentiality. “The publication of such details remains at the council’s discretion,” an SJC statement noted, per PakTribune. The remaining five complaints await further deliberation, hinting at complex or unresolved issues.

This decision follows a broader push for judicial reform, with CJP Afridi advocating for streamlined complaint processes, as reported by Daily The Patriot. The SJC also approved the Supreme Judicial Council Secretariat Service Rules, 2025, to enhance operational efficiency. However, proposed amendments to the judicial Code of Conduct and inquiry procedures were deferred for legal review, reflecting caution in overhauling sensitive protocols. Digital rights activist Usama Khilji told Reuters, “Transparency in judicial accountability is crucial for public trust,” highlighting concerns over the council’s secretive approach.

The dismissals come amid scrutiny of Pakistan’s judiciary, with the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) also addressing enforced disappearances and judicial pressures, per Dunya News. Critics argue the current government’s oversight fails to ensure robust mechanisms for public confidence in the judiciary. As Pakistan navigates these challenges, the SJC’s actions reflect a delicate balance between protecting judicial integrity and addressing public demands for openness.