Interceptor,
On the issue of the sincerity of the PPP to restore the judiciary, I read an opinion piece that suggested that the proposed reforms would actually take powers away from the Supreme Judicial Council to dismiss/suspend judges who are alleged to have committed wrong doing, and put them in the hands of politicians in parliament.
What are the details of this, and does this not seem a step back in terms of strengthening and creating independence of institutions?
Well being a hard core supporter for democracy I too am concerned on this matter so I shall put my points on what I have understood. In all bluntness PPP nor the coalition members have majority to give what the lawyers want the coalition has majority in Parliament unfortunately not a majority in the senate. As for the article if you could post the bit that said this, however, all reports are mere speculation, until we hear the people who are coordinating this we cant say anything on the subject of how they will be restored, however, this is confirmed that the PML(N) and PPP have no disputes of what the new Judiciary may receive to protect and enhance it, it is merely how they should be restored, and that is where Nawaz wants immediate restoration which is a executive order and PPP wants constitutional amendment which requires majority in both upper and lower houses. Correct if I am wrong.
The following off the top of my head are what will be added in the new Judiciary in context of PPP as you asked,
1. The Judiciary will have an increased number CJ's and Judges (which has happened).
2. The Judiciary will have its own budget so it becomes more independent.
3. The age of Judge has increased, however, the tenure of CJ's and CJP has been decreased.
4. And approval of allowing Judiciary to take measures against suspects in power, the President, the Prime Minister and the members of Parliament, this however not possible in our constitution as such to trail or send the President or the Prime Minister in court for trail as it is protected by the constitution.
And the others....
Are the judges going to be "judged" by a parliamentary committee composed equally of opposition and ruling party members, or are we looking at a simple majority in parliament, whereby the ruling party will be able to rid itself of any judges it considers to be acting against its interest?
By lowering the tenure it will rid of those who misuse the law of the land as you may know the Judiciary is democratic institution, it elects its CJ's, which also means for electing them they would require to be obedient to the law.