Law Minister Announces Interviews for High Court Judge Appointments

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has announced that candidates for High Court judge positions will undergo interviews for the first time as part of the selection process. Speaking in Lahore, the minister described the move as a step towards ensuring merit and transparency in judicial appointments.

According to the announcement, a seven-member committee will be formed to conduct interviews of shortlisted candidates recommended for elevation to the High Courts. Mr. Tarar noted that since candidates for Civil Judge and Additional Sessions Judge positions already take examinations, it is logical to introduce interviews for prospective High Court judges.

The government is also introducing a constitutional mechanism to evaluate the performance of sitting judges. A Judges Evaluation Committee will review judicial performance annually. The minister stated that if this committee finds a judge’s performance unsatisfactory, it can recommend filing a reference with the Judicial Commission or, in cases of consistently poor performance, recommend removal.

Additionally, Mr. Tarar discussed welfare initiatives for lawyers, including a policy for medical treatment covering major illnesses for lawyers and their families at public and private hospitals. He also mentioned that the Punjab government has allocated Rs1.35 billion to bar associations and announced an additional Rs20 million for lawyers’ vocational training courses.