SJC allows judges to attend political events with prior approval

The decision was made during an SJC meeting chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. Under the revised rules, judges are no longer completely barred from attending such

Islamabad: The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has approved significant amendments to the Code of Conduct for superior court judges, allowing them to attend political and diplomatic events subject to prior approval from the relevant chief justice.

The decision was made during an SJC meeting chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. Under the revised rules, judges are no longer completely barred from attending such functions, provided they obtain official permission. Attendance at social and cultural events, however, will no longer require any approval.

The amendments also expand the code’s scope to include judges of the Federal Constitutional Court, bringing them under the same ethical and procedural framework as other superior court judges.

In addition, the council revised provisions related to judicial reporting procedures. The updated mechanism outlines how judges must communicate relevant matters through court registrars to the appropriate chief justice and designated senior judges. The changes also define the role of the Federal Constitutional Court in handling cases where prescribed timelines are not met.

The reforms are aimed at modernizing judicial procedures while maintaining oversight and accountability within Pakistan’s higher judiciary.