Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has categorically stated that Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa has expressed a clear disinterest in extending his tenure.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Tarar said that following a recent meeting of the Judicial Commission, the chief justice had conveyed his position to him directly, stating he does not wish for any extension to his current term.
"The chief Justice clearly said he is not interested in an extension," he disclosed. Tarar emphasized that discussing an extension for the chief justice's tenure is inappropriate, given the CJP's explicit stance against it.
Last week also, Tarar had confirmed that the appointment of the next CJP will be based on seniority, dismissing speculation about a potential extension for Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
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In an interview on a private TV channel, the minister had emphasized that seniority will be the key criterion in selecting the new chief justice. "The senior-most judge will be appointed as the chief justice," he asserted. He also clarified that ordinary legislation cannot override the constitutional process for appointing the CJP, as stipulated in Article 175-A(3) of the constitution.
Tarar noted that the current CJP will retire on October 25, 2024, and has expressed no desire for an extension. Senior Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is set to succeed Qazi Faez Isa as the new CJP.
Also Read: Azam Nazir Tarar clears the air on CJP Faez Isa extension debate
On August 28, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah had firmly stated that the top judge would never accept even if he was given an extension to his tenure. Speaking on Samaa TV’s program 'Redline with Talat', Sanaullah had said: “Even if an extension is granted, it will not be accepted.”
He recalled the criticism that arose when the notification for the Chief Justice was issued two to three months ago and assured that the announcement of a new Chief Justice of Pakistan would be made at the appropriate time.
As Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa approaches his retirement in October this year, there has been widespread speculation about the possibility of extending his tenure through new judiciary-focused legislation in Parliament.
