A farewell dinner for Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa is set for October 24. The full court reference honoring the outgoing Chief Justice of Pakistan is scheduled for October 25, as stated in a letter from the Supreme Court registrar.
The letter, addressed to Supreme Court Bar Association President Shahzad Shaukat, was issued by Registrar Jazeela Aslam.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is anticipated to succeed CJP Isa upon his retirement. Since August, there have been speculations about the government potentially extending CJP Isa’s term.
Last month, CJP Isa clarified that he had declined a proposed extension related to age limit reforms.
The opposition has expressed strong opposition to any attempts to extend the incumbent Chief Justice’s tenure, with PTI founder Imran Khan threatening nationwide protests if such a move occurs.
During an informal discussion with reporters in Islamabad, following a full court session marking the start of the new judicial year, CJP Isa addressed questions regarding his alleged willingness to accept an extension, provided it applied to all judges. He refuted claims made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah, insisting that he had firmly rejected any extension.
In a follow-up statement, the Supreme Court expressed regret over the sensationalized reporting of an off-the-record conversation between CJP Isa and journalists.
A press release signed by the Chief Justice’s Secretary, Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad, emphasized that undue focus on individuals detracts from the importance of institutions, which should prioritize serving the public.
