ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has approved amendments to the Judges’ Code of Conduct, introducing new rules regarding the participation of judges in political and diplomatic functions.
According to the revised framework, judges will now only be allowed to attend political and diplomatic events with the prior approval of the Chief Justice.
Expanded Scope of Code of Conduct
The amended Code of Conduct will now also apply to judges of the Federal Constitutional Court and the Federal Shariat Court, broadening its jurisdiction across key judicial institutions.
Officials said the inclusion of these courts aims to ensure uniform ethical standards for all superior court judges in the country.
Restrictions on Public and Political Engagements
Under the previous Code of Conduct, judges were prohibited from participating in social, cultural, political, and diplomatic events to maintain judicial independence and impartiality.
Following the recent amendment, the restriction remains largely intact; however, an exception has been introduced for political and diplomatic functions, which may now be attended with explicit permission from the Chief Justice.
This adjustment is intended to regulate, rather than completely prohibit, such engagements.
Key Changes in Article 15
The amendments specifically revise paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 15 of the Code of Conduct.
The updated provisions now formally include the Federal Constitutional Court within the framework of applicable judicial ethics rules.
Legal experts note that this inclusion ensures that all judges across superior courts are bound by the same standards of conduct and accountability.
Purpose of the Amendment
Officials associated with the judicial system stated that the amendments aim to strengthen transparency, uphold judicial dignity, and maintain public confidence in the independence of the judiciary.
They emphasized that judicial participation in non-judicial events must be carefully regulated to avoid any perception of bias or political influence.
Background on Judicial Ethics
The Code of Conduct for judges is designed to ensure that members of the judiciary remain impartial, independent, and free from external influence.
It places restrictions on judges to prevent involvement in activities that could compromise their neutrality or create conflicts of interest.
The latest amendments reflect ongoing efforts to balance judicial independence with limited, regulated engagement in state and diplomatic affairs when necessary.
Conclusion
With the latest changes, the Supreme Judicial Council has tightened procedural controls while allowing limited flexibility under the supervision of the Chief Justice.
The revised Code of Conduct is expected to further clarify boundaries for judicial participation in public life while reinforcing institutional integrity across Pakistan’s superior judiciary.
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