Justice Yahya Afridi

Justice Yahya Afridi, who has been nominated as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan, is a highly respected figure in Pakistan’s judiciary. Born on January 23, 1965, in Dera Ismail Khan, Justice Afridi hails from the Adam Khel section of the Afridi tribe in the Kohat Frontier Region, known for its tradition of public service. He is a distinguished judge with a rich academic and legal background, having served in various significant judicial capacities throughout his career.

Key Information

Early Life and Education

Justice Afridi began his early education at Aitchison College, Lahore, one of the country’s premier institutions. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Government College Lahore, followed by a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Punjab University, Lahore. His academic journey took him further abroad when he was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, allowing him to complete his LL.M. at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. He was also selected for a prestigious scholarship program for Young Commonwealth Lawyers at the Institute of Legal Studies in London.

Legal Career

After completing his studies, Justice Afridi started his legal career in London, interning at the firm Fox & Gibbons, before returning to Pakistan to join Orr, Dignam & Co. in Karachi as an Associate. He later started his own private practice in Peshawar, where he also lectured at Khyber Law College, University of Peshawar, specializing in International Law, Labour Law, and Administrative Law.

Justice Afridi’s legal career advanced swiftly. He was enrolled as an advocate of the High Court in 1990 and as an advocate of the Supreme Court in 2004. He served as Assistant Advocate General for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and as Federal Counsel for the Government of Pakistan.

Judicial Career

In 2010, Justice Afridi was elevated to the Peshawar High Court as an Additional Judge, later becoming a confirmed Judge in 2012. His appointment as the Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court in 2016 marked a historic moment, as he became the first judge from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to hold the position. His time as Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court lasted until his elevation to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on June 28, 2018.

Nominated as Chief Justice of Pakistan

In October 2024, Justice Yahya Afridi was nominated as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan by a Special Parliamentary Committee, following the provisions of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment redefined the method of appointing the Chief Justice, requiring selection from the three most senior Supreme Court judges through a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Justice Afridi was selected over fellow senior judges Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar, and his nomination has been forwarded to the Prime Minister for final approval. He is set to succeed Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who will retire on October 25, 2024.

Personal Life

Justice Afridi is known for his commitment to public service, which runs deep in his family. He resides in Village Babari Banda, District Kohat. In addition to his legal work, Justice Afridi has made significant contributions to legal education by teaching at various institutions.

Key Highlights

• Justice Yahya Afridi has been nominated as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan, following the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
• Born on January 23, 1965, Justice Afridi has a distinguished judicial career, having served as Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court and a Supreme Court Judge.
• He earned his LL.M. from Jesus College, University of Cambridge, and has a deep academic and legal background.
• Justice Yahya Afridi hails from the Adam Khel section of the Afridi tribe and is known for his strong commitment to public service.
• He will replace Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who is set to retire on October 25, 2024.