Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has clarified that the federal government is not considering any option to extend the tenure of judges, refuting speculations that the federal government is planning to introduce a judiciary-focused legislation in parliament.
Tarar made the statement amid rumours that the current government is considering amendments to extend the tenure of judges and make changes to laws related to appointments of top jurists based on the principle of seniority.
Speculations gained momentum after it emerged that the federal government is planning to convene a joint session on August 28 to introduce key legislation.
When asked about the constitutional amendments that are being processed, Geo news Speaking on the programme 'Naya Pakistan', Tarar categorically rejected rumours regarding the federal government's plans to extend the tenure of the Chief Justice.
He also clarified that no constitutional amendment could be introduced during a joint session of Parliament.
The Federal Minister added that no changes to the judiciary or the extension of the mandate of judges are being considered.
“The Legislative Committee did not discuss any amendments relating to the judiciary in recent days,” he said.
The information minister said the speculations were fictitious as President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a regular session of parliament. However, he confirmed that there is a possibility of a joint session next week where lawmakers will take up some pending bills.
Tarar, a leader of the ruling PML-N party, said a debate on extending the tenure of judges was held a few months ago but it was not on the government's agenda now.
To clarify the matter of the CJP's appointment, the minister said that they were not considering any recommendation to issue an advance notification of the appointment of the next Chief Justice.
