THE decision by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to prioritize merit-based appointments of law officers marks a significant departure from the practice, where these positions were filled based on political affiliations. This shift indeed is a refreshing change and deserves commendation. By forming a Committee to evaluate the performance of current law officers and assess the need for new appointments, the provincial government is showing the intent of not only ensuring accountability but also safeguarding the interests of the public treasury.
The Supreme Court has also and that too repeatedly urged both federal and provincial governments to prioritize merit-based appointments when selecting law officers, who serve as legal representatives of the government and their responsibilities range from presenting cases on behalf of the state to providing legal advice to government agencies. Their expertise and professionalism are essential for maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process, thereby contributing to a fair and transparent legal system. The revelation that the previous expansion of law officers’ numbers by former Chief Minister Pervez Elahi was unnecessary underscores the importance of reining in such practices.
It is imperative that public funds are utilized judiciously, and downsizing the number of law officers to safeguard the public treasury is a step in the right direction. Furthermore, setting specific criteria, such as requiring a minimum number of judgments for different positions within the legal framework, adds a layer of professionalism and expertise to the appointment process.
This ensures that those entrusted with crucial legal responsibilities possess the requisite qualifications and experience to discharge their duties effectively. While we anticipate that the Punjab government will prioritize merit in other departments too, it is incumbent upon other federating units to follow Punjab’s lead in appointing law officers on merit.
