In a significant development, Acting President and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani issued an order on July 3, amending the monthly salaries of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) and other Supreme Court judges. The order, titled the “Salary of Judges of the Supreme Court Order 2023,” stipulates that the CJP will now receive a monthly salary of Rs1.2 million, while other top court judges will receive Rs1.1 million per month. The changes take immediate effect and are retroactively deemed to have been in effect from the beginning of the current month.
This adjustment represents an increase of approximately 20% in the salaries of the chief justice of Pakistan and other Supreme Court judges. The previous order, issued by President Dr. Arif Alvi in June 2022, had set the CJP’s monthly salary at Rs1,024,324 and that of other top court judges at Rs967,636.
The recent order by Acting President Sanjrani expressly repeals the previous order, bringing the salary adjustments into force. While this move has been welcomed by the judiciary, it comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the increase in perks for Senate chairpersons, which has faced criticism, even within the upper house.
Acting in his capacity as the President, Sadiq Sanjrani has been actively fulfilling the responsibilities of the office during President Alvi’s absence, as he is currently in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj. In the past few days, Sanjrani has signed an ordinance introducing further amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law, granting the accountability watchdog the power to detain suspects for non-cooperation.
Additionally, Sanjrani recently endorsed two bills into law. The first bill, the amended Finance Bill 2023-24, was passed after the government incorporated several fiscal tightening measures dictated by the International Monetary Fund, as part of a last-ditch effort to secure critical funding. The second bill, the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2023, limits lawmakers’ disqualification to a maximum of five years, retroactively. Furthermore, it empowers the Election Commission of Pakistan to unilaterally announce election dates without having to consult the president.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court judges have been at the centre of public attention due to their involvement in several significant cases and internal conflicts. Their role in interpreting the law and upholding justice remains crucial in the country’s legal system.
The increase in salaries for the chief justice of Pakistan and other Supreme Court judges aims to acknowledge their valuable contributions and ensure their financial well-being. The adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the judiciary, which plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding justice in Pakistan.
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The recent salary increase is expected to have a positive impact on the morale of the judiciary, further incentivizing judges to perform their duties diligently and impartially. As the legal landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve, it is crucial to provide adequate compensation to judges, which, in turn, helps attract and retain highly qualified individuals to serve on the Supreme Court.
In conclusion, the decision to increase the monthly salaries of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and other Supreme Court judges demonstrates a recognition of their significant role in the judicial system. This adjustment is expected to foster a sense of appreciation for the judiciary’s contributions and contribute to the overall enhancement of the justice system in the country.
