JCP Nominates LHC’s Justice Ali Baqar Najafi for Supreme Court Judge

On April 11, 2025, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) nominated Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Ali Baqar Najafi for elevation to the Supreme Court (SC), filling one of two vacant positions. This decision was made by a majority of the commission’s members, who considered candidates from the five most senior LHC judges. Notably, Justice Najafi’s nomination comes despite previous concerns raised in July 2024 regarding his suitability for the role of LHC chief justice, due to alleged negative public perceptions about his integrity. Additionally, a 2023 incident involving a request for special protocol for his son at international airports had drawn criticism, though the LHC later withdrew the request. In the same meeting, the JCP appointed retired judges from the four high courts as one-time members for the upcoming session, where new chief justices will be nominated.