CJP Isa’s Extension
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar has addressed several key issues regarding the judiciary and constitutional matters, emphasizing the legitimacy of appointing ad hoc judges and clarifying misconceptions about the extension of the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s tenure.
In a recent interview with a private television channel, Tarar asserted that the Constitution allows for the appointment of ad hoc judges, advocating for their appointment through the Judicial Commission rather than by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) alone.
Addressing the rumors about an extension for Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Tarar firmly stated that such reports were unfounded.
He disclosed details of a meeting he had with CJP Isa regarding the Judicial Commission’s session scheduled for late April or early May.
During this meeting, the issue of extending the CJP’s tenure was discussed, but CJP Isa expressed disinterest in an extension.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, however, supported the idea, suggesting that Parliament holds the authority to extend the CJP’s tenure.
Tarar also touched on the broader implications of tenure extensions within the government, linking the high pension bill to the ongoing debate about extending the retirement age for government employees.
He noted that globally, the retirement age has been increasing to manage pension costs more effectively.
The proposal to extend the tenure of all government employees, including those in the judiciary, is under consideration, with Parliament having the power to amend the Constitution to facilitate such changes.
The law minister also highlighted recent judicial reforms and constitutional amendments aimed at improving the judicial system.
He praised the Supreme Court’s decision, where eight judges effectively rewrote the Constitution concerning reserved seats, as an opportunity to strengthen the party.
On the contentious issue of imposing Article 6 on PTI leaders, Tarar criticized PTI for not calling a meeting on the no-confidence motion and approaching the court instead.
He argued that there is a valid case for applying Article 6, which pertains to high treason, against PTI leaders for their unconstitutional act of dissolving assemblies amidst a no-confidence motion.
The federal law minister mentioned that this issue could be brought before Parliament for debate, pointing out that the court itself acknowledged PTI’s unconstitutional actions.
Despite this, the decision not to ban PTI last year was made to preserve the political environment.
Tarar’s statements underscore his commitment to constitutional integrity and judicial reform, advocating for a balanced approach that respects legal processes and parliamentary authority.
His remarks reflect ongoing efforts to navigate complex legal and political landscapes while maintaining the rule of law and democratic principles.
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