Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi was sworn in on Monday in Islamabad as acting chief justice of Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court (FCCP), the forum that handles constitutional litigation. He steps into the top administrative seat while the substantive head of the court, Amin-ud-Din Khan, is outside the country.
Why the acting appointment was made
Amin-ud-Din Khan is in Azerbaijan on official court business running from 19 through 24 October 2026. The visit follows an invitation tied to the court's observer recognition in July 2026 by TÜRK-AY, a grouping of constitutional courts and similar bodies from the Turkic world. While he is away, Rizvi is to carry out the acting chief justice's work.
The arrangement covers the period of that absence. Sources describe the travel as linked to the court's newer international engagement after the July 2026 observer listing; they do not set out a separate domestic reason for the temporary handover.
How the ceremony unfolded
The swearing-in took place at the FCCP premises in the capital. Justice Aamer Farooq put Rizvi on oath. Present were other judges of the court, representatives from the legal community's leadership, and court officers.
No further programme details—such as speeches, case lists, or administrative orders issued after the ceremony—were given beyond the fact of the oath and who attended.
What readers should note
An acting chief justice keeps the court's leadership functions running when the permanent holder is unavailable. For parties with matters before the FCCP, the Monday step is about continuity of office rather than a change in the court's legal mandate.
Anyone following constitutional petitions should still watch the court's own listings and notices for hearing schedules. Monday's event itself does not, on the available facts, announce a new judgment, rule change, or shift in how cases are decided.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Islamabad mein Monday ko Justice Hasan Rizvi ne FCCP ke acting chief justice ka ehsaas sambhala. Asal chief justice Amin-ud-Din Khan Azerbaijan gaye hue hain, 19 se 24 October 2026 tak. Un ke na hone par Rizvi yeh zimmedari nibhayenge. Aam logon ke liye seedha matlab yeh hai ke court ka kaam rukne nahi chahiye jab top judge travel par hon.
