Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan
🏛️ Temporary Leadership Change in Supreme Court
Lahore, June 7, 2025 – Senior Supreme Court judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah has officially taken charge as the Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan during the absence of Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, who is performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Lahore Registry of the Supreme Court, where Justice Ayesha A. Malik administered the oath to Justice Shah.
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👥 Notable Attendees at the Ceremony
The event was attended by several senior judges and legal professionals:
- Justice Shahid Waheed
- Justice Aamir Farooq
- Justice Shahid Bilal
- Justice Ali Baqar Najafi
- Advocate General Punjab Amjad Pervez
- Prominent lawyers and court officials
The ceremony marked a significant moment for the judiciary, ensuring continuity in leadership during a key religious and national period.
🕋 Why an Acting Chief Justice Was Appointed
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi is currently in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. During his absence, it became necessary to appoint an acting head of the Supreme Court to ensure smooth court operations.
📌 Timeline of Events
- Justice Munib Akhtar temporarily held the position until June 6.
- Upon returning from travel, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah was sworn in on June 7, 2025.
📅 Expected Return of Chief Justice
Chief Justice Afridi is scheduled to return to Pakistan on June 10, which is the fourth day of Eid ul-Adha. After his return, the regular structure of the Supreme Court will resume.
📘 Background of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is a respected figure in Pakistan’s legal system, known for his strong judgments and dedication to reforms.
👨⚖️ Career Highlights
- Former Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court
- Advocate of environmental law, tax justice, and constitutional rights
- Author of key rulings that promote transparency and access to justice
His leadership, even in an acting role, adds strength and credibility to the judiciary during the chief justice’s absence.
📰 Why This Matters
Having an experienced judge take on the role of acting chief justice ensures:
- Court matters remain uninterrupted
- Legal processes continue smoothly
- Public and institutional confidence is maintained
Such transitions show the judicial system’s readiness to handle temporary changes without any disruption to legal services.
✅ Responsibilities During Acting Tenure
While in office, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will oversee:
- Daily operations of the Supreme Court
- Any emergency constitutional matters
- Administrative functions until June 10
This step-by-step transition helps the court stay effective, even during holiday periods like Eid.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Why was Justice Mansoor Ali Shah appointed?
Answer: He is the most senior available judge after the Chief Justice, and was appointed to keep court operations running during Justice Afridi’s Hajj.
❓ Is the position of Acting Chief Justice temporary?
Answer: Yes, it’s a temporary role that lasts only while the Chief Justice is unavailable. Justice Afridi will return on June 10.
❓ How does the judiciary ensure continuity during absences?
Answer: The most senior judge available is given the responsibility to serve as Acting Chief Justice, according to constitutional protocol.
📝 Conclusion
The appointment of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah as Acting Chief Justice ensures that Pakistan’s top court continues to function smoothly while Chief Justice Afridi performs his religious duty. This structured transition is a clear reflection of the judiciary’s strength, stability, and preparedness. The courts remain active, and public trust is preserved during this brief leadership shift.
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