Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has sanctioned the appointment of additional judges across multiple high courts and confirmed some existing judges as permanent, in a move that affects the judiciary at several levels. The changes include adjustments to the compensation and benefits of Supreme Court judges, aligning them with those of the Federal Constitutional Court.

According to Radio Pakistan, the President has approved the addition of judges to the Lahore High Court, Sindh High Court, Peshawar High Court, Islamabad High Court, and Balochistan High Court. Additionally, he has confirmed some judges from the Sindh High Court and Lahore High Court as permanent judges. This action is part of a broader effort to address judicial staffing and compensation matters.

The President’s approval also extends to salary, allowance, and pension adjustments for Supreme Court judges, ensuring parity with the Federal Constitutional Court judges. Furthermore, amendments to the 1997 Order have been approved, affecting the leave, pension, and privileges of High Court judges.

In related appointments, the President has appointed Haroon Akhtar as the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Industries and Production, further shaping the country’s administrative landscape.