SC forms two-member committee for approval of panel of advocates

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) has constituted a two-member committee comprising Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmed Khan to approve a panel of advocates of the apex court to be engaged for representing the accused/convicts at state expense.

According to a circular issued by the apex court, the committee has been constituted in pursuance of the order of Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi.

The competent authority has decided to invite applications from advocates of the Supreme Court who desire to be included in the panel of advocates to be appointed as counsel at state expense, says the circular.

It further stated that all the advocates of the Supreme Court shall be eligible to apply adding that the applications may be accompanied by a photograph of the applicant and detailed resume showing the list of criminal cases conducted by them including details of reported judgments, if any and other credentials reflecting experience in the practice of criminal law.

“It may be indicated in the application that the applicant shall be available for such work at the principal seat of this court at Islamabad or at any particular branch registry of this court,” the circular added.

It was further stated that the applications may be addressed to the Registrar of this court and should reach the apex court on or before 4th of January, 2025 adding that after receipt of such applications the candidates shall be short-listed and thereafter the short-listed candidates will be interviewed by the committee, if found necessary.