Islamabad: In a historic milestone for Pakistan’s judiciary, Justice Aminuddin Khan on Friday took oath as the first Chief Justice of the newly established Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), a landmark institution created to resolve constitutional disputes between the federation and provinces, and to adjudicate critical inter-provincial matters.
The oath-taking ceremony, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, was presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari, who administered the oath. The event drew a distinguished audience, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the chiefs of Pakistan Air Force and Navy, Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, federal ministers, parliamentarians, senior judges, and Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, highlighting the national importance of the occasion.
The Federal Constitutional Court was established under Article 175B of the Constitution through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which was passed by the Senate and assented by the President a day prior. The court is mandated to oversee constitutional issues with binding authority over all courts in Pakistan, including the Supreme Court, making it a pivotal institution for the rule of law and federal governance.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Zardari emphasized the critical role of the court in maintaining national stability, safeguarding the Constitution, and strengthening the judicial system. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underlined the need to protect judicial independence and uphold constitutional order, reflecting the government’s commitment to the new court’s authority and impartiality.
Upon taking the oath, Chief Justice Aminuddin pledged to enhance justice delivery, maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, and ensure the FCC fulfills its mandate of resolving federal and provincial disputes efficiently and transparently.
Preparations are underway for the oath-taking of six additional FCC judges, who will be sworn in at a ceremony between the judges’ block and the administration block of the Islamabad High Court. These judges will collectively shape the court’s ability to handle complex constitutional matters and provide clear, authoritative rulings nationwide.
Under the new framework, judges of the FCC will serve until the age of 68, while the Chief Justice will have a three-year term, ensuring both continuity and regular leadership renewal. The court’s decisions will be binding on all courts, while other courts, except the FCC, will continue to follow the Supreme Court’s precedents.
Legal experts and political analysts view the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court as a transformative step for Pakistan’s judicial architecture, providing a dedicated forum for federal-provincial disputes, clarifying constitutional ambiguities, and reinforcing the country’s democratic and legal institutions.
The creation of the FCC, alongside the constitutional bench formed under the 26th Amendment, represents a historic evolution of Pakistan’s judiciary, aimed at strengthening the rule of law, promoting federal harmony, and ensuring impartial delivery of justice across the country.