Supreme Court’s senior puisne judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on Thursday said that he has no grievances over not being the Chief Justice, expressing satisfaction with his current role in the apex court.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Karachi Bar Association, Justice Mansoor Shah stated, “I am a senior puisne judge at the moment, and I am happy with that. I have no complaints from anyone that I am not the Chief Justice.”

It is pertinent to mention that the most senior judge after the Chief Justice in the Supreme Court is referred to as the puisne judge.

Justice Shah also extended his well wishes to former chief justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa stating that he holds him in high regard and prays for his success.

During his address, the senior judge emphasised the sanctity of an oath, describing it as a solemn commitment that binds an individual to the principles of justice and the rule of law.

“The oath is not just words; it carries a deep meaning. It is a responsibility we impose upon our souls—to stand for justice, truth, and the rule of law,” he remarked.

He further elaborated on the religious and ethical significance of an oath, stating that it is taken in the presence of Almighty Allah and must never be broken. “If an oath is broken, the entire system collapses. But if one upholds it, no problem can arise.”

Citing a literary reference, Justice Shah mentioned that British writer Lord Thomas More, in his novel, compared an oath to holding water in one’s hand—once the grip loosens, the water is lost.

He advised lawyers to uphold their professional integrity despite pressures and temptations, asserting that “courage is the real story.”

Earlier, Justice Shah administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers of the Karachi Bar Association, following which the gathered lawyers raised slogans in his favour.