In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s judicial landscape, Justice Aminuddin Khan on Friday took oath as the first chief justice of the newly created Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath at Aiwan-e-Sadr, marking the operational beginning of the country’s new constitutional adjudication framework.
The ceremony drew top state officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the chiefs of the Pakistan Air Force and Navy, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, federal ministers, parliamentarians and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Their presence reflected the political and institutional weight of the occasion.
Established under Article 175B through the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, the FCC now holds the mandate to decide constitutional disputes, including federal–provincial and inter-provincial matters. Its rulings will carry binding authority over all courts, including the Supreme Court.
After taking oath, Justice Aminuddin pledged to uphold constitutional supremacy and improve access to justice. His appointment—formally approved by President Zardari on the prime minister’s advice, comes as preparations conclude for administering oath to six additional FCC judges.
