Justice Aminuddin Khan Sworn in as First Chief Justice of Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court

Justice Aminuddin Khan was sworn in as the first Chief Justice of Pakistan’s newly formed Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) today, marking a historic step in the country’s judicial history under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

The oath of office was administered by President Asif Ali Zardari at the President House, a day after approving the appointment on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The appointment was made under clause (3) of Article 175-A, read with Article 175-C of the Constitution, and will be effective from the date of the oath.

Justice Aminuddin, whose legal career spans over four decades, was previously head of the now-dissolved constitutional bench established under the 26th Constitutional Amendment. He will now also administer the oath to the other FCC judges, whose ceremony is scheduled at the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

The newly formed FCC will have equal provincial representation. The president and prime minister will play key roles in judicial appointments. Powers to hear constitutional cases previously held by the Supreme Court will now be transferred to the FCC, including the authority to take suo motu notices.

Currently, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi remains the top judge of Pakistan. However, after his tenure ends, the senior-most judge from the Supreme Court and FCC judges will assume the position. The judicial overhaul also empowers a three-member committee, led by the Chief Justice, to constitute case-hearing benches under the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025.

The retirement age for FCC judges is set at 68 years, three years higher than Supreme Court judges, who retire at 65. This reform is part of a broader effort to strengthen judicial independence and modernize Pakistan’s constitutional framework.