Pakistan Appoints Yahya Afridi as Chief Justice Amid Controversy

The appointment, following a new selection process criticized by the opposition, raises concerns about judicial independence.

Justice Yahya Afridi, previously the third most senior judge, has been appointed as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan.
The selection process was altered through a constitutional amendment, allowing a parliamentary panel to choose the chief justice.
Pakistan's opposition party, PTI, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, boycotted the panel and criticized the new process.
Concerns have been raised that the appointment undermines judicial independence and could intensify Pakistan's ongoing political crisis.
Justice Afridi is set to take oath on October 26, 2024, succeeding outgoing Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.