JC, PC decision final in judges’ appointment: Justice Gulzar

ISLAMABAD: Justice Gulzar Ahmed has remarked that the decision of Judicial Commission (JC) and Parliamentary Committee (PC) is final with regard to judges’ appointment and the president could not use his discretionary powers in this regard.

A five-member special bench of the apex court headed by Justice Khilji Arif heard the president’s reference regarding appointment of judges in higher judiciary.

Attorney General Irfan Qadir in his arguments said that the president could stop appointment of any judge having fake degree, adding that the court could not give order on the president’s decision.

He said that the constitution granted permission to the president to use discretionary powers which were explained under article 48-1 of the constitution.

Earlier, Waseem Sajjad, a counsel of president, presenting his arguments said that the Judicial Commission has no authority to ascertain seniority of the judges.

He said that the role of president is not merely symbolic and he had authority to nominate judges.

Meanwhile, Justice Ijaz Afzal in his remarks said that the Parliamentary Committee reserved right to return recommendation to Judicial Commission for review.