Justice Aminuddin Khan has taken oath as the inaugural Chief Justice of the newly established Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), marking a historic moment for Pakistan’s judiciary as the country moves toward a more structured and efficient system for handling constitutional matters.
Formed under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the FCC has been tasked with resolving major constitutional disputes particularly those involving the federal and provincial governments, as well as conflicts between provinces. The creation of a dedicated forum is expected to ease the caseload of the existing courts and ensure faster, more definitive rulings on issues tied to the Constitution.
The oath-taking ceremony took place at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, where President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior judges, military officials, lawmakers, and other dignitaries. The high-profile attendance underscored the national significance of the occasion and the strategic value of the newly formed court.
After assuming office, Justice Aminuddin Khan reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system and upholding constitutional supremacy. He emphasized the importance of transparency, fairness, and timely decisions to reinforce public confidence in the judiciary.
Under the new law, judges appointed to the FCC will serve until reaching the age of 68, while the Chief Justice will hold office for a fixed term of three years. This arrangement aims to maintain stability within the institution while ensuring periodic leadership transition.
One of the defining features of the FCC is its authority: its decisions will be binding on all courts across Pakistan, including the Supreme Court. This gives the new court significant constitutional weight and is expected to bring greater consistency to legal interpretations nationwide.
