Islamabad: (RightNow) In the past 48 hours, 19 additional judges have been appointed to the Islamabad, Balochistan, and Sindh High Courts. Of these, 18 judges were nominated by the Chief Justices of the respective high courts.

Criticism has been directed at the judiciary, suggesting that the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments increased executive influence in judge appointments. However, the recent appointments are of candidates nominated by the respective Chief Justices, dispelling this notion.

Chief Justice Alia Neelam of Lahore High Court nominated 10 candidates, and 3 were nominated by the Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court as additional judges. Recommendations for the appointment of 3 judges in Islamabad High Court have also been made.

Advocate Kamran Murtaza expressed hope that the new system will enhance justice. However, legal experts believe political parties still influence judicial appointments.

It is noteworthy that under the current system, any member of the Judicial Commission can nominate judges. These appointments were not government-nominated but selected by the Chief Justices.