Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has affirmed he will not seek an extension to his tenure as the country’s top judge, setting the record straight amid widespread speculation.
In an informal dialogue with journalists in Islamabad on Monday, CJP Isa mentioned a meeting where the extension of judges’ tenures was discussed. He is due to retire in October this year, and although there has been talk of potentially extending his tenure through judicial-focused legislation, he has declined such an extension. “I suggested extending the tenure of other judges but stated that I would not accept an extension for myself,” he explained, emphasizing the uncertainty of life with his remark about not knowing if he would be alive the next day.
Key figures, such as Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, and Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan, attended the meeting.
CJP Isa also addressed a full court reference for the new judicial year at the Supreme Court, where he touched on the impartiality of the judiciary. He noted that previously, outcomes could often be predicted based on the makeup of the bench, a practice that is no longer possible. “Every institution can improve. It was once easier to predict verdicts by the bench’s formation, but now, I am unaware of what the judges beside me will decide,” he stated.
Earlier this month, Minister Tarar dismissed rumours about CJP Isa seeking an extension, emphasizing that the judge expressed no desire to prolong his tenure.
Legal experts have pointed out that extending a CJP’s tenure would require constitutional amendments, requiring a two-thirds majority in both parliamentary houses. This task is daunting, especially considering a recent Supreme Court decision favouring PTI on reserved seats.
