The Supreme Court of Pakistan will hold a full court reference for outgoing Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on October 25. This formal event, a customary practice in the judiciary, aims to bid farewell to the departing chief justice. The announcement was made in an official letter from top court registrar Jazeela Aslam to Shahzad Shaukat, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, currently a senior Puisne judge, is set to succeed CJP Isa as the country’s new chief justice.
This confirmation comes amid a backdrop of political uncertainty and speculation regarding an extension of CJP Isa’s tenure through proposed legislation. Reports indicated that the ruling coalition was exploring a ‘judiciary-centric’ legislative package, but efforts stalled after JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman withdrew support, leaving the government short of the necessary votes in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
In light of these developments, Chief Justice Isa reiterated his position against accepting any “individual specific” proposals concerning the extension of his tenure. Following comments made during a media interaction, CJP Isa’s Secretary Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad clarified that the chief justice’s statements had been misreported. He emphasized that the chief justice was addressing questions off the record and firmly communicated his stance against any proposals that did not align with constitutional principles.
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A Brief Profile of Justice Qazi Faez Isa
Justice Isa was appointed as the 29th Chief Justice of Pakistan in September 2023. Born on October 26, 1959, in Quetta, he comes from a distinguished family involved in Pakistan’s historical movement, being the son of the late Qazi Mohammad Isa and the grandson of Qazi Jalaluddin, former prime minister of the Khanate of Kalat.
With over 27 years of legal practice, Justice Isa has held various roles, including as chief justice of the Balochistan High Court and as a member of multiple bar associations. He has also served as amicus curiae in high-profile cases and participated in international arbitrations. Known for his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law, his judicial philosophy is reflected in numerous significant judgments. Justice Isa is also credited with establishing a transparent induction system for officials in high courts.
