Justice Aminuddin Khan has officially taken oath as the first Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s judicial evolution. The establishment of the FCC represents a new chapter in handling constitutional disputes more efficiently and ensuring timely decisions on national matters.
The FCC was created under the 27th Constitutional Amendment to address constitutional issues that require urgent interpretation. These include disputes between the federal and provincial governments, conflicts among provinces, and other matters related to the structure and functioning of the Constitution. By forming a specialized court, the government aims to reduce pressure on existing courts and speed up rulings related to constitutional law.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, where President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath. The event was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior judges, parliamentarians, military officials, and other dignitaries, showing the national importance of this new judicial institution.
After taking oath, Justice Aminuddin Khan expressed his commitment to strengthening the delivery of justice, maintaining constitutional supremacy, and ensuring fairness, transparency, and timely decisions. He highlighted the importance of public trust in the judicial process and pledged to uphold the highest standards.
Under the new system, judges of the FCC will serve until the age of 68, while the Chief Justice will serve a fixed three-year term. One of the key features of the FCC is that its decisions will be binding on all courts, including the Supreme Court, ensuring consistency and authority in constitutional matters.
