Islamabad: In a surprising turn of events, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the third most senior judge of the Supreme Court, has tendered his resignation. This follows the resignation of fellow judge Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi just a day ago, who stepped down amidst alleged misconduct charges.
Justice Ahsan, slated to become the next Chief Justice of the country in October this year, was the third senior most judge in the Supreme Court’s hierarchy. His resignation has sent shockwaves through the legal community, as he was expected to take the reins after the retirement of the current Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who is set to retire in August 2025.
The resignation letter, reportedly sent to the president, cited Justice Ahsan’s desire to discontinue his role as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. In the letter, he stated, “I, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, resign as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in terms of Article 206(1) of the Constitution with immediate effect.”
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Earlier, Justice Ahsan had recused himself as a member of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), expressing concerns about the proceedings against former judge Mazahar Ali Naqvi. In a letter, he criticized the council for unnecessary haste and urged caution in exercising constitutional powers.
“The allegations leveled against Justice Mazahar Naqvi are baseless and meritless,” Justice Ahsan emphasized, raising questions about the fairness of the ongoing proceedings. Despite his objections, the Supreme Judicial Council has decided to continue the proceedings against the resigned judge Mazhar Naqvi.
