Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on Monday took oath as Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), owing to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi’s official visit abroad. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Justice Munib Akhtar administered oath to Justice Mansoor Ali Shah as acting CJP.

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi will be attending the 20th Conference of Chief Justices of Supreme Courts of SCO Member States in Hangzhou, China, from April 22 to April 26, prompting Justice Mansoor Ali Shah to assume the role of acting Chief Justice during his absence.

A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Supreme People’s Court of China during this visit, which will aim to enhance judicial collaboration, training, and information exchange between the two nations.

Supreme Court spokesperson stated that the MoU will cover international commercial law, arbitration, cybercrime, financial crimes, climate change, judicial technology, and dispute resolution.

In addition, it will reinforce legal assistance in civil cases and improve the implementation of judicial decisions.

Both countries confirm their promise to judicial freedom and the rule of law.

Senior lawyers and Supreme Court staff will attend the oath-taking ceremony, which will mark an important change in Pakistan’s judiciary during Chief Justice Afridi’s absence.

Earlier, the Supreme Court of Pakistan established a dedicated Anti-Corruption Hotline 03264442444 to reinforce its commitment to accountability and remove hurdles in expeditious justice for the public.

The incumbent Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi, was determined to foster an environment free of corruption and guided by the principles of accountability and fairness.

The Chief Justice shared a message for the general public, encouraging them to come forward and contact the hotline of the Supreme Court if anyone offered them help in fixing dates or undue favours for money.