Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), announced that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is poised to become the next Chief Justice of Pakistan. He clarified this during a recent interview, highlighting the transition as the current Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa, prepares for retirement. Amid political turbulence, the government has postponed a crucial constitutional amendment package in parliament. This package sought to modify judges’ retirement ages, potentially affecting Isa’s tenure.
The postponement occurred due to inadequate support from Maulana Fazlur Rehman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), a key ally. Bilawal emphasized the PPP’s dedication to initiating judicial reforms, including establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which remains unfulfilled under the Charter of Democracy.
Read: Delay in Tabling Constitutional Package Awaits Broader Consensus
He pointed out that the judiciary spends 90% of its time on political cases, constituting only 15% of its workload. Bilawal criticized this imbalance, calling for reforms in the judiciary and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to better serve the public. Politically, Bilawal voiced disappointment with Imran Khan’s comments, which have obstructed efforts to collaborate on constitutional amendments.
Despite challenges, Bilawal stressed the PPP’s ongoing efforts to propose the creation of a constitutional court. The party seeks consensus with the JUI-F and aims to include opposition parties, particularly PTI, in the discussions.
With Justice Isa’s upcoming retirement, the government faces increasing pressure to resolve legislative deadlocks and push forward its agenda. However, Bilawal admitted the coalition lacks sufficient parliamentary support to pass the proposed amendments. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s anticipated confirmation as the next chief justice comes at a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s judiciary amid debates over judicial independence and political influence.
Read: CJP Qazi Faez Isa Declines Extension, Set to Retire in October
