Justice Yahya Afridi


 Islamabad, Pakistan


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Justice Yahya Afridi, a distinguished legal luminary, has been nominated as Pakistan's next Chief Justice. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Justice Afridi has earned a reputation for his legal acumen, unwavering commitment to justice, and unwavering defense of judicial independence.


Born on January 23, 1965, in Dera Ghazi Khan, Justice Afridi laid a strong foundation for his legal career through a rigorous academic pursuit. He completed his early education at Aitchison College, Lahore, a prestigious institution renowned for producing prominent leaders. Subsequently, he graduated from Government College, Lahore, and earned a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Punjab.


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To further enhance his legal expertise, Justice Afridi secured a Commonwealth Scholarship and pursued an LL.M. from Jesus College, Cambridge University. His time at Cambridge exposed him to international legal systems, equipping him with a global perspective and honing his skills for a distinguished legal career.


Justice Afridi embarked on his legal journey in 1990, starting as an advocate in the high courts. His exceptional abilities and dedication led to rapid advancement, and by 2004, he was practicing as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Throughout his career, he held various positions, including serving as the Assistant Advocate General for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, gaining valuable experience in handling legal challenges and issues at the provincial level.


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In recognition of his contributions, Justice Afridi was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Peshawar High Court in 2010. His exceptional legal skills and unwavering commitment to justice led to his elevation to a permanent judge of the court in 2012. His ascent continued, culminating in his appointment as Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court in 2016.


Justice Afridi's tenure as Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court was marked by his involvement in several high-profile cases, where he demonstrated his legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice. Notably, he was part of the bench that heard the case concerning the reserved seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council, where his dissenting note showcased his independence of thought and legal reasoning.



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His elevation to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2018 marked a significant milestone in his career. As a Supreme Court judge, he has continued to contribute to the development of Pakistani law through his insightful judgments and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.


Justice Afridi has consistently advocated for judicial independence throughout his career. His opposition to the imposition of the 3 November 2007 emergency by then-president Pervez Musharraf, which led to the suspension of the judiciary and house arrest of many judges, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law.



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As Justice Yahya Afridi's nomination for the Chief Justice position moves forward, legal experts and political observers are closely watching. His extensive experience, combined with his involvement in some of Pakistan's most significant legal decisions, positions him as a capable and experienced candidate to lead the Supreme Court.

H hiis appointment comes at a crucial time, and he is expected to steer the Supreme Court through complex and politically sensitive cases, further solidifying his legacy as a key figure in Pakistan's judiciary.