On July 7, 2025, President Asif Ali Zardari finalized the appointment of chief justices for Pakistan’s four high courts, following recommendations from the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). The decision, announced through official notifications, marks a significant development in the country’s judicial landscape.
Justice Sarfraz Dogar was appointed as Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), having previously served as Chief Justice of its acting chief justice. His appointment follows a Supreme Court ruling on June 19, 2025, which upheld the legality of his transfer to the IHC and dismissed challenges from five IHC judges regarding judicial seniority. President Zardari will administer his oath at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, with ceremonies for other appointees scheduled in their respective provinces.
Justice Rozi Khan Barrech was named Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, bringing extensive experience from the provincial judiciary. Justice Syed Muhammad Attique Shah was appointed to lead the Peshawar High Court. Justice Junaid Ghaffar, previously a senior puisne judge, will head the Sindh High Court. The oaths for these justices will be administered by their respective provincial governors in Quetta, Peshawar, and Karachi later this week.
The appointments, endorsed by a majority vote in the JCP’s recent meetings, aim to ensure stability in Pakistan’s judicial system.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 8th, 2025
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