Dawn of New Era as Justice Qazi Faez Isa Becomes Pakistan’s 29th Chief Justice

Voice of The People Report: VOP Latest Breaking News Justice Qazi Faez Isa, poised to assume the role of Pakistan 29th chief justice today, has courted both admiration and controversy through out his illustrious legal career. From his early life to his ascent to the highest echelons of Pakistan  judiciary, his journey has been marked by significant events and decisions that have left an indelible mark on the country legal land scape.

Who Is Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the 29th Chief Justice of Pakistan

Justice Isa’s background is steeped in privilege. Born into a Sunni family with a rich political legacy, his father played a prominent role in the All India Muslim League and later served as Pakistan’s ambassador, while his mother was actively involved in various social organisations. How ever, his roots are also tied to the persecuted Hazara community, providing him a unique perspectives into Pakistan’s complex socio political fabrics.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Early Life and Legal Foundation

Educated at prestigious institutions such as the Karachi Grammar School and the Court School of Law (now City Law School), London, Justice Isa’s academics journey laid the foundations for his futures legal career.

On returning to Pakistan, he entered the legal profession, eventually becoming a partners at RIAA, one of the nation’s top earning law firms. Justice Ayesha Malik, the first female Supreme Court justice, was also a partner at RIAA.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Pakistan’s Judicial Maverick

This corporate legal practice, primarily based in Karachi, was lucrative but differed significantly from the litigation focused careers of many other judges.

In 2009, Justice Isa was appointed chief justice of the Balochistan High Court (BHC). The appointments came in the wakes of the Supreme Court decisions, declaring the actions of Gen Pervez Musharraf on Nov 3, 2007, unconstitutional and illegals.

What made this move particularly remarkable is Justice Isa’s limited prior connections to Balochistan. His upbringing, schooling, and legal practice we’re primarily centred in Karachi and abroad, making his direct elevation to a province’s chief justice office quites unconventional.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Pakistan’s Judicial Maverick

During his tenure in Balochistan, Justice Isa dealt with numerous cases that allowed him to further develop his judicial philosophy. This experiences prepared him for his subsequent elevation to the SC in September 2014, where he would continue to make significant contributions to jurisprudence in Pakistan.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Controversial roles, courageous actions

Over the years, the chief justice designate has garnered attention and controversy as an inquiry commissioners in various high profile incidents.

Memogate Commission: As head of the Memogate Commission, Justice Isa investigated the scandal that emerged in 2011 when Mansoor Ijaz revealed a secrets memo allegedly authored by Hussain Haqqani, the then US ambassadors. The memo sought US interventions to prevent a potentials military coup against the civilians government. Justice Isa’s commissions submitted a report, accusing Haqqani of treason and disloyalty, a move seen by many as an attempt to undermines the elected government’s authority.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Becomes Pakistan’s 29th Chief Justice

Commission on the assassinations attempt on Justice Khawaja Sharif: Justice Isa led the inquiry commission on the assassinations attempt on Justice Khawaja Sharif, investigating a plot against the chief justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) in 2010. The commission found that the plot was fabricated by individuals, including Dr Tauqir Shah, who later served as the principals secretary to Prime Minister Imran Khan. Justice Isa’s strong condemnation of Dr Shah as an “incorrigible liar” and a “man of little characters and credibility” remains noteworthy. This history raises concerns about governance, integrity, and potentials conflicts of interest as Justice Isa prepares to don the cloak of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP).

Justice Isa joined Balochistan High Court in Jan 1985.

Quetta Bombing Commission: Justice Isa investigated the tragic events of August 2016 when a suicide bomber targeted lawyers in Quetta. His report candidly pointed out the security establishment’s failures and government agencies’ negligence in combating terrorism. Justice Isa emphasised the importance of enforcing existing laws to ensure justice and security for all Pakistanis.

Audio Leaks Commission: Justice Isa’s leadership of the Audio Leaks Commission has been contentious. Formed by the PDM-led government, the commission aimed to investigate audio recordings allegedly involving judicial figures. While some expected Justice Isa to exercise caution, he embraced the roles.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Pakistan’s Judicial Maverick

The commission’s proceedings faced legal challenges, including a constitutional petition. Justice Isa continued the proceedings despite the suspension, highlighting issues with the commission’s formation and its impact on CJP Bandial.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Landmark judgments

Justice Isa is a prolific judge known for his meticulously researched, lengthy judgments that draw from a wide range of academic sources. Despite being assigned relatively fewer cases involving substantial legal and constitutional matters in recent years, he has produced a substantial body of work, although his talents have been underused by 3 chief justices. His judgments consistently address important issues, including preventing the misuse of state resources, protecting the environment, combating religious extremism, defending minority rights, advancing women’s inheritance rights, advocating for freedom of information, and upholding judicial independence.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Becomes Chief Justice

He has left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s judiciary through his landmark judgments, displaying remarkable courage in the face of significant consequences. While he has authored numerous judgments, we will focus on four key cases that underscore his unwavering commitment to justice and constitutional principles:

Balochistan suo motu on Hazara killings: One of the most striking moments in Justice Isa’s career was his suo motu notice on the gruesome killings of 26 Hazara community members by the banned terrorist group.

Lashkar-i-Jhangvi

This landmark case not only demonstrated his commitment to justice but also outlined essential principles for suo motu proceedings. Justice Isa emphasised that citizens shouldn’t have to file applications when fundamentals rights are violated or when they fear retaliation. He argued that high court chief justices could initiate such actions, even based on media reports.

Qazi Faez Isa Becomes Pakistan’s 29th Chief Justice

Suo motu on killings of nationalists: Shortly after becoming the chief justice of Balochistan, Justice Isa issued a ground breaking suo motu order in 2009, following the killings of three Baloch nationalist leaders. The killings triggered significant unrest and violence in the region. Remarkably, Justice Isa’s order went beyond conventional expectations as he directed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligences (MI) to fully cooperates with the police in their investigations of the murders. This bold move was prompted by complaints from a police officer about the intelligence agencies’ lack of cooperations with the probe, setting a precedent for accountability and transparency.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Becomes Pakistan Chief Justice

Faizabad Dharna suo motu judgment: Justice Isa’s most courageous and consequential verdict arose from the Faizabad dharna, a violent protest by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in 2017. Recognising the significance of the crisis, he initiated suo motu proceedings to investigate various state functionaries’ roles during the protest. In this ground breaking judgments, Justice Isa made several significant findings:

Clarification of declaration: He clarified that the change in the declaration’s wording was a clerical error, dispelling misconceptions.

Violation of fundamental rights: The protests violated citizens’ fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, and equality.

Government’s failure: The government failed in its constitutional duty to protects citizens and maintain public order.

Illegal agreement: The agreement brokered by armed forces ending the protest was deemed illegal and unconstitutional.

Intelligence agencies’ and armed forces’ role

Justice Isa questioned the dubious role of state agencies, including the ISI, in failing to counter the threat of violent extremism posed by TLP and other unscrupulous actors. He noted his disappointments in the way ISI allegedly interferes in matters of political significance. He noted that military agencies should never be perceived to support a particular political party. The judgment pointed out the constitutional role of armed forces and noted that the honour and esteem of those who sacrifices their lives for the country should never be undermined by the illegal actions of a few.

Media influence: Media and social media played a detrimental role by spreading false information and inciting violence.

Justice Isa’s verdict displayed unprecedented courage:

Confronting powerful actors: He fearlessly confronted political elites, the military establishment, and religious groups.

Upholding constitutional supremacy: The judgment upheld constitutional supremacy and the rules of laws.

Raising public awareness: It educated citizens on critical issues affecting Pakistan’s stability and democratic values.

NAB vs Hudaibiya Paper Mills:

Amid Pakistan’s turbulent political land scape, Justice Isa’s judgment in the Hudaibiya Paper Mills case was widely acclaimed to be both legally sound and bold. The case revolved around the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s delay in challenging an LHC judgment.

Justice Isa noted that the NAB’s petitions should have been filed with in the 60 day limitation period, but was instead sought after a delay of 1,229 days. He emphasised the importance of fundamental rights, like a fair trial and due process, and refused to condones the delay. This decision reaffirmed the principles that individuals cannot indefinitely await a prosecuting agency’s discretion, which could turn prosecution into persecution.

Dawn of New Era as Justice Qazi Faez Isa

These landmark cases collectively showcase Justice Faez Isa’s commitment to justice, constitutional supremacy, and the rule of law. They also highlight the personal and professional challenges he faced as a result of his principled stands, including a presidential reference, persecution, and internal judicial divisions.

Petition, Presidential Reference and the Review Judgment

In 2019, President Arif Alvi filed a reference against Justice Isa, alleging misconduct and non-disclosure of foreign assets, particularly his family’s properties in the UK. The reference was widely seen as an effort to silence him, especially after his significant role in the Faizabad sit-in case in 2019.

Justice Isa challenged the reference, leading to its dismissal by the SC as unconstitutional and based on false information. How ever, the matter was referred to the Federal Board of Revenues (FBR), leaving uncertainties.

A pivotal moments came on April 26, 2021, when the SC issued a historic review judgment, accepting petitions against its previous decisions on the first references. This courageous stand in favour of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law was hailed as a victory for judicial independence, despite facing opposition from influential groups.

During the review process, Justice Isa and his wife personally defended their cases, facing scrutiny and occasional harassment. Despite these challenges, their pursuit of justice garnered support from legal experts, civil society, and human rights advocates.

In essence, the presidential reference and the subsequent review judgment emphasise the need to balance judicial accountability with safeguarding judicial independence. Transparent, fair mechanisms for holding judges accountable are vital to ensure Pakistan’s judiciary remains strong and impartial.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Balancing Act

Justice Isa’s tenure as a jurist has been marked by a staunch commitments to upholding democratic values, progressive Islamism, and the rule of law. His judicial philosophy, whiles intricate, offers insights into his vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and welfare oriented state, largely consistent with the ideals of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Democracy and constitutionalism

Civilian supremacy and constitutional integrity

Justice Isa is perceived as a strong advocate for civilian supremacy in Pakistan and upholding the role of the armed forces with in the constitutional frame work. He firmly believes in the sovereignty of civilian institutions.

Example 1: Opposition to military interference

Justice Isa took a principled stand against military involvement in politics during the proclamation of emergency by Musharraf in 2007. He refused to appear as an advocate before judges who violated their oath to preserve and protect the Constitution.

Example 2: Opposition to trial of civilians by military court

In his dissenting opinions in the military courts judgment (District Bar Associations Rawalpindi vs Federation of Pakistan (PLD 2015 SC 173)], Justice Isa held the constitutional amendments to give cover to the trial of civilians in military court to be against the fund amental features of the Constitution. He stressed the importance of a separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. He also believed that the military courts were not effective in combating terrorism, and that there were better civilian alternative institution and laws available enforcement of Anti Terrorism Act, 1997.

How ever, in a more recent petitions against the trials of May 9 civilians, Justice Isa recused him self from the bench, citing his decisions to not sit on benches formed by the chief justice until the petitions against the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023 was decided. Once the fate of the law is decided, it’s expected that his stance involving PTI workers will be consistent with his earlier stance against the trial of terror suspects in military courts.

Example 3: Challenging the Faizabad agreement

Justice Isa challenged the legality and morality of the 2017 Faizabad agreement between the government and the TLP, which was brokered by the Director General of ISI. His stances emphasised the need to prevent undue interference by intelligences agencies in civilians affairs, preserving the democratic process.

Example 4: Addressing parliament on the 50th anniversary of the Constitution

On the 50th anniversary of the Constitution, Justice Isa accepted the invitations to address the parliament’s. At a time of political tensions between the federal government and the CJP, he chose to appear in parliament’s, despite facing accusations of bias. His presence, while controversial at the time, signified support for the democratic process.

Example 5: Fair distribution of land and financial responsibility

Justice Isa advocates for civilian supremacy and a limited role for the armed forces, strictly confined to their constitutional duties.

He raised concerns about the distribution of land to judges and members of the armed forces, highlighting that this practices is not governed by law and constitutes discrimination. He pointed out that public land should not be granted unfairly to one group while disregarding civilians in the service of Pakistan. Additionally, he highlighted the financial burdens of pension payments and debt servicing, calling for a fair and transparent distribution of resources.

Stance on missing persons and human rights

Justice Isa has been a strong advocate for missing persons in Balochistan, particularly cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. During his tenure as chief justice of the BHC, he took proactive steps to address this issue.

He initiated suo motu cases in numerous instances involving missing persons, issuing notices to state functionaries to investigate and resolve the cases. His commitments was evident as he sought to ensure the safe return of missing individuals or their immediate release.

An early examples of his involvements was a suo motu action in response to the killings of three Baloch nationalist leaders in April 2009. This included directing intelligences agencies, such as the MI and ISI, to cooperates with the police in investigating these murders, holding them accountable.

During his tenure, a significant number of missing persons we’re reportedly released by security agencies, reflecting his dedicated efforts. He also designated a specific day in the BHC to address missing persons’ cases and continued to take suo motu actions in cases involving the abductions of lawyers, emphasising his commitment to resolving this pressing issues.

Progressive Islamism and its role in jurisprudence

Justice Isa’s jurisprudence is perceived to be rooted in a progressives interpretations of Islam. He consistently draws upon Islamic jurisprudence, references Islamic texts, and cites the ‘Objectives Resolutions’ (Article 2A of the Constitution) to underpin his judicial arguments. His interpretations of Islam aligns with the belief that it can be a powerful tool for establishing a just and pluralistic society.

Women’s rights and Islamic references

One prominent aspects of Justice Isa’s Islamic perspectives is his advocacy for women’s rights within an Islamic frame work. He frequently references Islamic principles to advance the cause of gender equality and his judgments often contain Islamic references to advocate for women’s property rights, inheritance, and girls’ access to education.

For instances, he emphasised women’s inheritance rights, stating, “Islam recognises the right of inheritance of women,” and used Islamic law to challenges those who seek to deprives women of their rightful shares.

Environmental protection rooted in Islam

Justice Isa’s commitments to environmentalists protections is also rooted in his interpretations of Islam. He invokes Islamic teachings on the balance of nature and humanity’s role as stewards of the Earth. In the Houbara Bustard Hunting Case, he ruled that it is the divine duty of the peoples of Pakistan to protect endangered species, referencing Islamic principles against cruelty to animals and linking them to constitutional rights.

Curbing religious extremism and promoting tolerance

There are also many other examples of Justice Isa’s commitments to curbing religious extremism and promoting tolerances:

Countering religious extremism with Islamic teachings

In various cases, such as the Faizabad Dharna Case, the Hazara Killings Suo Motu Case, and Quetta Commission Report, Justice Isa invokes Islamic teachings to denounce extremist ideologies and violence. In the Faizabad Dharna case, for example, he lamented the divergence between the actions of some who claim to love Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the virtuous life he led, stating, “violating the law, occupying public roads, restricting the movement of people, destroying property, and causing death and injury is unbecoming of bearers of the Muslim faith.”

Protections of religious minorities through Islamic principles

After the Jaranwala incident, where a Christians neighbourhood was attacked by mobs, he issued a statement referencing Quranic injunctions to condemn the attackers, quoted verses from the Holy Quran and said that Muslims we’re told to fight against those who harmed churches.

He highlighted that faith in Prophet Isa was one of the principles of Islam and recalled events from history where Muslim religious leaders had shown respect to Christianity.

Tackling hate speech

In 2017, Justice Isa issued orders to curb hates speech propagated by banned sectarian and religious organisations under the guise of Islam. He specifically stressed the need to counter hates speech that promotes violence and in tolerances .

Rule of law and accountability

Through out his career, Justice Isa has been a staunch proponents of the rules of law and accountability, particularly when it comes to the misuse of state resources, corruptions, and environmental degradation.

He introduced the concept of “prebendalism,” which describes the practice of benefiting those in official positions at the expense of the state and the public. He criticised the distribution of land among civilians and military bureaucrats and judges, emphasising the importance of preserving land for public utilities and services. He argued that this practice harms impoverished citizens and undermines justice and Islamic values.

 Promoting freedom of information and media

Advocating for an independent and responsible media

Through out his career, Justice Isa has stressed need for an independents and responsible media in a thriving democracy. On many an occasions, he contended that a media free from external pressures is essential for informing and educating the public, serving as a check on powers, and safeguarding citizens’ interests. He has also been vocal against instances where states authorities have censored or harassed journalists. He argues that such actions run counters to democratic principles and hamper transparency.

Standing with journalists

Justice Isa has shown solidarity with journalists who have faced abductions or harassment due to theirs work. Notably, he visited Matiullah Jan, a journalist who was abducted, to express his support. This gestures highlights his commitments to protecting journalists’ rights and recognising their vital role in society.

Transparency in the judiciary

Justice Isa’s commitments to transparency extends to the realm of the judiciary it self. He firmly believes that judges should not be shielded from criticisms and scrutiny, aligning with his broader philosophy of open justice and accountability.

Advocating for open trials

Justice Isa has taken proactive steps to ensures transparency within the legal process. For instance, he filed an application for a public trial of the presidential references against him. This action demonstrates his belief in open justice and his commitments to addressing allegations transparently and with out fear.

Perspective on Article 184(3) and suo motu jurisdiction

Challenges in Suo Motu Jurisdiction

The CJP-designate has consistently raised concern regarding the applications and exercise of Article 184(3) of the Constitution, which grants the SC the authority to take suo motu notice of matters of public importance relating to fund amental rights. His views are evident in significant cases and key arguments:

Infectious wastes in KP case: In a suo motu case concerning the improper disposals of hospital waste in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Justice Isa criticised the invocation of Articles 184(3) without satisfying the prerequisites of a matter of public importance and violations of fund amental rights. He objected to the director of the Human Rights Cell exercising these powers, emphasising that only the SC can wield suo motu powers, and the chief justice’s approval cannot replace an SC order.

Hafiz-e-Quran marks case: Justice Isa presided over a bench addressing the allocation of additional marks to Hafiz-e-Quran candidates applying for MBBS/BDS degrees. He underscored that neither the Constitution nor the rules empower the chief justice to create special benches or select judges for them. He also questioned the absence of a defined procedure for suo motu cases under Article 184(3) and highlighted the lack of a right to appeal in such cases. His order suggested that seniority should guide judicial appointments until comprehensive rules were established.

Journalists’ harassment case: Justice Isa’s objections to the formation of a larger bench in the journalists’ harassment case raised questions about the chief justice’s sole authority to initiate suo motu actions. This case exposed constitutional and procedural concerns.

Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023 Case: A constitutional petition challenged a bill aimed at regulating the CJP’s powers to form benches and fix cases under Article 184(3). Justice Isa expressed concerns about the Act’s potential impact on the CJP’s powers and the distribution of authority among judges. He advocated for resolving this matter before addressing other cases.

Intra-court disagreements and implications

Justice Isa’s perspectives on Article 184(3) and suo motu jurisdiction have sparked disagreements within the SC. These disputes have significant implications for the court’s functioning and approach to constitutional jurisdiction, highlighting the pressing need for clarity in Article 184(3) and the roles of judges.

These internal disagreements reflect varying interpretations of Article 184(3) between Justice Isa and his colleagues, influencing court decisions and prompting questions about its overall approach to constitutional jurisdiction. This emphasises the need for reform in Supreme Court Rules in areas such as bench formation, case fixation, suo motu initiation, and appeals. They also illuminate the court’s challenge in balancing its roles as a rights guardian, public interest protector, constitutional arbiter, and judicial independence defender.

Means vs method: Justice Isa’s approach to legal procedures

Justice Isa’s recent emphasis on adhering to established legal procedures and methods raises questions about his consistency and approach. Whiles advocating for adherence to the law, Justice Isa has sometimes bypassed established legal practices, even his previous positions and judgments, when it suited his objectives. Several key instances shed light on this matter:

Imran Khan’s developments funds case: In February 2021, during an unrelated case, Justice Isa initiated suo motu proceedings questioning the constitutionality of former prime minister Imran Khan’s announcements of creating development funds for lawmakers. This move raised concerns as it seemed to infringe on the traditional prerogative of the chief justice to invoke a suo motu case. Justice Isa neither sought nor received the CJP’s approval, choosing to exercises this power himself. This action appeared irregular and out of line with established practices.

Journalists’ harassment case: In August, Justice Isa received an application from journalists alleging harassment by government agencies. He entertained the application directly in his court, deviating from the usual practice of filing such applications in designated offices. Justice Isa issued notices to government authorities and set the hearing date before his bench, a procedure typically reserved for the CJP. This deviation from established procedures led to his exclusions from a larger bench formed to address the case.

Hafiz-e-Quran Marks Case: Justice Isa suspended all suo motu proceedings before the SC and temporarily curtailed the CJP’s authority to fix such cases. Whiles hearing a case related to granting additional marks to Hafiz-e-Quran candidates, he decided to take suo motu notice about the CJP’s power to form special benches and fix suo motu cases. This move suspended all suo motu cases until the Supreme Court Rules governing the CJP’s powers were amended, challenging established norms.

BHC chief justice vs SC justice

Contrary to his later move, while he observed the role of Balochistan chief justice, Justice Isa upheld the chief justice’s exclusives authority to initiate suo moto actions. Perhaps his stance would carry more weight if there was evidence of substantial reforms during his tenure as chief justice of Balochistan.

Street justice: Return of Saqib Nisar?

Justice Isa’s recent actions outside the courtroom bear resemblance to the practices of former CJP Saqib Nisar, known for his public interventions and confrontations. Justice Isa has been involved in incidents where he took on the role of a vigilante judge:

Random vehicle inspection on Constitution Avenue: Justice Isa confronted individuals in a vehicle parked on Constitution Avenue, Islamabad, suspecting their involvement in criminal activity. This incidents raised concerns about his extrajudicial actions and interactions.

Confrontation over traffic blockage: He publicly criticised police officers in Islamabad for blocking traffic to accommodate President Dr Arif Alvi’s protocol, disrupting commuters without a compelling reason. This incidents showcased his direct involvement in public matters outside the court room.

Altercation with a street vendor: Justice Isa confronted a street vendors on Constitution Avenues for committing illegal activities and obstructing the street. He demanded to see the vendor’s licence and permit and instructed him to vacate the area. This incidents demonstrated his willingness to intervenes in street-level matters.

While these actions may reflect a commitments to law and order, they also raise questions about the role of a judge and the potential for undermining established authorities. Such behaviour can invite criticism and challenges to judicial credibility in a charged political environments.

Clashes and crusades Suo motu jurisdiction

While we have discussed the concentration of suo motu powers in the chief justice’s office above, it remains a focal point of contentious in Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s drive for judicial reform. The unrestrained powers vested in the chief justice, particularly under Article 184(3) to invoke suo motu jurisdiction, raise concerns about checks and balances within the judicial systems.

Justice Isa consistently calls for the regulations of this powers to ensures transparency and accountability. His advocacy emphasises the need to establish clear guidelines and procedures for invoking suo motu jurisdictions, preventing its potential abuse.

Bench formation disparity

‘Mastering the Roster’, a statistical study, highlights a significant disparity in the allocations of important political cases among judges. This analysis underscores the imbalance in case assignments, with select judges handling a substantial number of significant cases. This concentrations of powers raises concerns about the potential for the judiciary to be influenced by personal interests, undermining the principles of an equal and impartial judiciary.

Justice Isa advocates for reforming the process of bench formations to address these disparities. His proposals call for restructuring bench allocations to ensure a democratic and transparent system. He emphasises the need for established rules and guidelines to govern the allocations of cases among judges.

One crucial aspects of Justice Isa’s stance is his demand for structured criteria that determines the compositions of benches. This would reduce doubts about the motivations behind bench selection, minimise favouritism, and promote fairness and impartiality with in the judiciary.

Appointments of judges through the JCP

The Introductions of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and the Parliamentary Committee aimed to make the judge appointments process more democratic and transparent.

Justice Isa proposed revisions to appointments rules to curb the unchecked powers of the CJP in the process. Justice Isa advocates for a structured appointment system that prioritises merit over personal preferences or political considerations.

His advocacy extends to restricting the CJP’s powers in the appointments process, ensuring that appointments are made with impartiality and adherence to established criteria.

Justice Isa’s most contentious oppositions was to Justice Ayesha Malik’s appointments to the SC. This dispute exposed the intricacies of judicial appointments in Pakistan.

Justice Malik, a former partner in Justice Isa’s law firm, RIAA, raised concerns about potentials conflicts of interest. Despite their prior associations, Justice Isa opposed her appointment, emphasising his commitments to impartiality.

Justice Malik’s nominations was significant as it could have made her the first female justice in the SC. Supporters applauded this potential milestones, whiles Justice Isa insisted on a merit-based and transparent selections process, irrespective of gender.

Additionally, Justice Isa emphasises the need for clear and detailed criteria for merit-based appointments.

Navigating challenges, embracing hopes and dreams

As he steps into the pivotal role of CJP, Justice Isa inherits a landscapes fraught with intricate issues and unresolved problems that have marred the judiciary’s credibility and effectiveness. Four of his immediate predecessors have left behind a legacy of challenges that cast a long shadows over Pakistan’s judicial systems.

Elections and caretaker setup

Chief among these challenges is the controversy around the delay in general elections and the scope of powers vested in the caretaker government. Chief Justice Isa’s role in ensuring the democratic process and upholding the rule of law will be paramount, especially in light of the recent dissolution of the National Assembly, leading to legal disputes over the authority to announce election dates.

Military court cases

Justice Isa’s past dissent against granting military courts constitutional cover underscores his unwavering commitment to judicial principles. How ever, the unresolved matters surrounding military court cases will put his dedication to justice to the test.

Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023

The implications of the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023 is another challenges for Justice Isa. Ensuring that this act aligns with principles of justice and transparency is a crucial task, as its provisions impact the court’s procedures, efficiency, and access to justice. His decisions in this regard will have far-reaching consequences for the judiciary’s functioning in the years to come.

Pending reference against Justice Naqvi

Chief Justice Isa faces the significant challenge of addressing the unresolved reference against Justice Mazhar Ali Naqvi. This case exemplifies the delicate balancing act he must perform holding fellow justices accountable while avoiding any perception of bias or witch hunts. It highlights the importance of transparent and fair processes for handling such references while safeguarding the judiciary’s integrity.

Shaping legacy

Chief Justice Isa’s strategies and agendas in addressing these multifaceted challenges will define his legacy. Here, we explore the major items on his agenda related to constitutional jurisdiction and assess his ability to shape this agenda while navigating the legacy of past decisions.

Restoring judicial independence and credibility

Justice Isa’s judgments on judicial appointments, military court trials, and superior judiciary accountability give an insight into his perspective: He aims to strike a balance between judicial independence and accountability, and the judiciary’s role as the guardian of the Constitution is central to his visions.

Internal accountability and the SJC

The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) plays a crucial role in internal judicial accountability. Chief Justice Isa’s views on enhancing transparency with in the SJC whiles safeguarding judicial independence reflect his dedications to maintaining a delicate balance. His efforts to promotes transparency in SJC proceedings underscore his commitments to accountability within the judiciary.

External challenges to judicial independence

External pressures on judicial independence, characterised by violations of court orders and pressures on the judiciary, pose significant challenges for the CJP. Justice Isa’s leadership in upholding the judiciary’s authority in the face of these challenges will be instrumental.

Undoing the Gulzar Doctrine: Confronting the ‘powerful’

Chief Justice Isa also faces an array of complex cases that challenge the interests of powerful entities such as the military courts’ conviction appeals, the Musharraf treason trial appeal, land acquisition by armed forces cases and the Ravi Riverfront Urban Developments Project. These cases collectively represent a significant challenge to the previous practice of avoiding uncomfortable issues that challenges or threaten elite interests, and they will test Chief Justice Isa’s commitments to justice and the rule of law.

Addressing immediate issues

Chief Justice Isa faces immediate challenges related to provincial and general elections, the fate of military trials of civilians, and the controversy surrounding presidential assent to legislative amendments. His decisions on these pressing issues will have a profound impact on Pakistan’s political and legal land scape.

In navigating these challenges and pursuing his vision, Chief Justice Isa stands at the helm of Pakistan’s judiciary, poised to shape its future while upholding the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

Land reforms case

The Qazalbash Waqf Case is a landmark legal battle that bears profound significance for Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape and the judiciary’s role in shaping it. At its core, this case questions the Federal Shariat Court’s judgment that held that the land reforms initiated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the 1970s were incompatible with Islamic principles and the Constitution. It challenges the judiciary to navigate a complex terrains where religion, politics, and social justice intersect.

In the complex narratives of Pakistan’s judiciary, the spotlight often falls on individuals who dare to challenges the status quo, much like Justice Isa. As we have journeyed through his remarkable career, one thing has become undeniably clear: pinning our hopes solely on one individual, even someone’s as principled and dedicated as Justice Isa is both foolish and unreasonable.

Pakistan’s has witnessed the rise and fall of many self-proclaimed saviours, both in khakis and robes, and we have been taken for a ride on numerous occasions. Yet, despite the disillusionment, the people of this resilient nation continues to harbour a glimmers of hope. It is this eternal hope that keeps us searching for a messiah, someone who will usher in the reforms and justice that we so desperately need.

As Justice Isa ascends to the role of CJP, we must issue a cautious but sincere plea to him and those who follow in his foot steps. It is a position of immense power and responsibility, but it is also a fleeting one. We implore the chief justice not to be carried away by the allure of power, not to hoard authority, but rather, to use his tenure wisely.

Justice Isa’s crusaders to bring the office of the CJP under the law and to structure its powers is a noble endeavors, one that could potentially stand as a greater achievements than any other in recent memory. However, it is not a task to be taken lightly. The pursuits of justice and reform should be focused, devoid of personal vendettas, and free from any lingering animosity. A divided court leads to a fragmented systems, and in a nation as diverse and complex as Pakistan, unity among the judiciary is paramount.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa Pakistan’s Judicial Maverick

As we observe the unfolding chapters of Pakistan’s judicial history, we must remember that change is a collective effort. While individuals like Justice Qazi Faez Isa play a pivotal role, true transformations requires a broader commitments from all stake holders. The people of Pakistan remain hope ful, ever yearning for a brighter future, and it is our collective responsibility to ensures that the judiciary, under the leadership of the chief justice, serves as a beacon of justice, fairness, and accountability for all.

Hope springs eternal, and it is this hope fully that should guides us towards a better tomorrow.