KARACHI, Jan 25: President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Yasin Azan has said that competent district judges and lawyers should be considered for appointment as there is a grave need to fill vacant seats in the Sindh High Court.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Azad said that the shortage of judges in the high court was leading to a great deal of hardships for litigants.

He said additional judges should be confirmed keeping in view their performance. “If a judge is removed after one year of his service, no lawyer would come ahead for appointment in the high court.”

He added that only 12 judges were currently working at the Sindh High Court out of the sanctioned strength of 40.

Mr Azad said that there was a shortage of judges in all high courts and it was adversely affecting the provision of justice to the masses.

He said that the atmosphere of the confrontation between state institutions seemed to be over now. “If all the institutions remain within the constitutional boundaries, then there will be no tension among them.”

The SCBA chief also advised political parties to resolve their conflicts in the parliament.

He said that the character of the person behind the Memogate scandal was doubtful as he was not coming forward for his deposition before the tribunal. “If he doesn’t turn up on Feb 9, it will mean that there is nothing in the matter,” he added.