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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Justice Munib Akhtar Sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan
Justice Munib Akhtar, the senior puisne judge of Pakistan's Supreme Court, was sworn in as acting Chief Justice on Monday at the Karachi Registry after incumbent Chief Justice Yahya Afridi temporarily left the country. He will serve in the position until Justice Afridi returns.
Quick Facts
Who
Justice Munib Akhtar
What
Oath ceremony for acting Chief Justice
When
Monday, June 23, 2026
Where
Supreme Court Karachi Registry
- Oath ceremony for acting Chief Justice
- Justice Akhtar assumed role of acting CJP
- Justice Siddiqui administered the oath
- Justice Munib Akhtar
- Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui
Justice Munib Akhtar, the senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, was sworn in as acting Chief Justice on Monday at the Supreme Court's Karachi Registry. The oath was administered by Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui in a simple and dignified ceremony attended by judges from the Supreme Court and Federal Constitutional Court.
According to a statement from the Supreme Court, the appointment follows the temporary absence of incumbent Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, who is currently out of the country. Justice Akhtar will assume the responsibilities of Chief Justice during Justice Afridi's time abroad and will relinquish the position upon his return.
As the senior puisne judge, Justice Akhtar automatically assumes the acting role in the absence of the Chief Justice. This interim arrangement ensures continuity in the judiciary's leadership and the functioning of the Supreme Court during the period of Afridi's absence.
Why This Matters
This interim succession ensures judicial continuity during the Chief Justice's absence, maintaining the Supreme Court's operational capacity. For stakeholders and legal practitioners, it clarifies the chain of command and decision-making authority during this transitional period, preventing any governance gaps in Pakistan's judiciary.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 22, 2026
WireJustice Munib Akhtar sworn in as acting Chief Justice of Pakistan at Supreme Court Karachi Registry
Jun 23, 2026
WireNews reported that Justice Akhtar has assumed position as acting CJP during Justice Afridi's absence abroad
Entities
Sources
- Justice Munib Akhtar takes oath as acting CJPDawnMediaJun 23, 2026
- Hon'ble Mr. Justice Munib Akhtar, the Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, taking oath as Acting Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Pakistan at Supreme Court Branch Registry Karachi.| Associated Press Of PakistanMediaJun 22, 2026