A farewell reference for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, is currently underway at the Supreme Court.
Five justices were absent: Justices Munib Akhtar, Ayesha Malik, Athar Minallah, and Shahzad Ahmed did not attend. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah was abroad for Umrah.
The ceremony was broadcast live. Justices Yahya Afridi, Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Shahid Waheed, Musarrat Hilali, Irfan Saadat Khan, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Shahid Bilal Hassan, and Aqeel Abbasi were in attendance. Ad-hoc judges Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice Mazhar Alam Mian were also present, along with two religious judges from the Shariat Appellate Bench.
The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan praised Chief Justice Isa for his unwavering dedication to the Constitution, law, democracy, and accountability.
He highlighted Chief Justice Isa’s career before his judiciary role and lauded his defense of fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and women’s rights. He made a landmark ruling during the Faizabad sit-in case, clarifying law enforcement responsibilities.
After becoming Chief Justice, Isa initiated the live broadcasting of cases. He made significant judicial and administrative decisions, including delegating certain powers to a committee. His efforts were crucial in facilitating the general elections and emphasizing the importance of democracy. His father was among Pakistan’s founders.
Nominee Chief Justice Yahya Afridi shared his mixed emotions about Chief Justice Isa’s retirement, noting both sadness and happiness that Isa was retiring in good health.
He described Isa as compassionate but with a notable temper, sharing a personal anecdote that brought laughter to the courtroom, including a smile from Chief Justice Isa.
