SC asks govt to name new law minister

ISLAMABAD, April 14: The Supreme Court has asked the government to name a new law minister to attend the already scheduled meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Saturday. The Supreme Court directive came on Thursday as a follow-up to the resignation tendered by Law Minister Babar Awan to enable him to represent the government in court in the presidential reference filed in connection with the verdict against Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. In pursuance of the resignation of Mr Awan from the office of Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Secretary, Judicial Commission of Pakistan, wrote a letter, pointing out that a meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan has already been scheduled for April 16 for consideration of confirmation/of appointment of additional judges of Lahore High Court and Balochistan High Court. The letter says the CJ has ordered that the matter be brought to the notice of the Principal Secretary to Presi dent and Prime Minister as well as Cabinet Secretary and Secretary of Law and Justice Division for information and further necessary action.