The oath was administered by President Asif Ali Zardari, who underscored the ‘steadying hand’ the new court is expected to provide in the country’s constitutional landscape.
The event drew a high-profile gathering, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the chiefs of the Air Force and Navy, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, senior federal ministers, members of Parliament’ and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. A number of senior judges and other prominent national figures were also in attendance.
President Zardari highlighted the ‘central role of constitutional guardianship’, stressing that the court’s work would be crucial in ensuring national stability.
Prime Minister Sharif echoed this sentiment, calling for the protection of judicial independence and the supremacy of the Constitution, which he described as the ‘guiding light in uncertain times.
After taking the oath, Chief Justice Ameenuddin pledged to strengthen the delivery of judicial decisions, vowing to uphold the Constitution with what he called firm resolve and steady commitment.
His appointment had been formally approved by President Zardari the previous night after consultation with the prime minister. The Ministry of Law issued the official notification shortly after. Justice Ameenuddin also heads the constitutional bench established under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a responsibility observers describe as both weighty and pivotal.
Meanwhile, preparations have been finalized for the oath-taking of the court’s six additional judges, who will be sworn in by Chief Justice Ameenuddin later this week.
