Justice Yahya Afridi — a profile

KARACHI: The incoming chief justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, brings with him a longstanding history as both lawyer and judge. Born in Dera Ismail Khan in 1965, Justice Yahya Afridi completed his early education at Aitchison College. He then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from Government College, Lahore, and a Master’s in Economics from Punjab University. Awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, he pursued an LL.M. from Jesus College, Cambridge.

Justice Afridi began his legal career at Orr, Dignam & Co, Karachi, before entering private practice in Peshawar and lecturing at Khyber Law College. His judicial career began with his appointment as an additional judge of the Peshawar High Court in 2010, confirmed in 2012. In 2016, he became the first judge from the Federally Administered Tribal Area (Fata) to serve as chief justice of the Peshawar High Court, a position he held until his elevation to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2018.

Justice Afridi is expected to be the chief justice of Pakistan for the next three years. He was initially in the queue for chief justice on the basis of seniority -- third in line after Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Muneeb Akhtar -- and is due for retirement in 2030.

Had he not been nominated for the CJ position by the special parliamentary committee post the 26th Amendment, Justice Afridi would still have been eligible for the position if only going by the date of retirement. He will now retire after serving his three years as chief justice.

Justice Yahya Afridi has recently been involved in significant judicial decisions, including his dissenting note in the reserved seats case. Justice Afridi also recused himself from hearing suo-motu cases in the past due to concerns about potential conflicts. Justice Yahya Afridi was part of the nine-member larger bench that reviewed the presidential reference filed against the hanging of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Reacting to Justice Yahya Afridi being nominated as the next CJP, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Shahzad Shaukat told Shahzeb Khanzada on Geo News Tuesday night that the nomination was done as per the new constitutional amendment. He added that there is “no doubt that Justice Yahya Afridi is one of our best judges”, pointing out that the other two judges [Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Muneeb Akhtar] were also exceptional judges. Shaukat further commented that there is hope that Justice Afridi once he becomes CJP will work for the betterment of the judicial system. On being asked if the SCBA approved of the nomination, given the 26th Amendment controversy and lawyers’ reactions, Shahzad Shaukat said that the amendment is “now done. We still even today think the amendment could have been improved upon. We still feel seniority should be considered as one of the key factors but the parliamentary committee that has nominated the CJP too has some senior and distinguished members and they’ve made their decision. We can’t just dispute every decision.”

A talented sportsman, Justice Afridi is said to have captained Cambridge University’s polo team, earning a half-blue blazer and apparently continues his passion for horse riding.

Justice Afridi’s heritage is deeply rooted in excellence. His father, Omar Afridi, won both the Sword of Honor and Norman’s Gold Medal from the Pakistan Military Academy.

Entering civil service through the CSP exam, he embodied the values of a true gentleman. His grandfather, Dr Munawar Afridi, an inspiring physician listed on the prestigious Munks Roll of the Royal College of Physicians, served as vice-chancellor of Peshawar University. A dedicated malariologist and brigadier at Partition, Dr Afridi was known for his philanthropy, donating his earnings to Peshawar University.