ISLAMABAD: A full court reference was held at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday to mark beginning of the new judicial year.
Addressing the full court reference, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa said that in order to ensure transparency it was decided that the hearings of the cases of public interest would be aired live.
The Chief Justice said that due to live coverage of the cases, people can witness the performance of the Supreme Court.
Justice Isa confirmed, following statements from the federal law minister, that he does not wish to seek an extension of his tenure as the country's top judge.
During an informal discussion with journalists in Islamabad, the CJP mentioned that during a recent meeting, the idea of extending judges' tenures was raised.
As CJP Isa approaches his scheduled retirement in October, rumors about a possible extension through judiciary-related legislation in parliament have been circulating. Addressing these speculations, he clarified, "I had suggested extending the tenure of other judges but made it clear that I wouldn't accept an extension for myself." He added, "I don't even know if I'll be alive tomorrow."
Justice Isa revealed that Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, and Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan were also present at the meeting.
In a separate context, CJP Isa remarked that each judge has their own perspective, which can influence case outcomes.
Speaking at a full court reference marking the start of the new judicial year, he noted, "Every institution has room for improvement. Previously, bench formations made verdicts somewhat predictable, but now, even I am unsure of the decisions my fellow judges will make."
Earlier this month, Law Minister Tarar dismissed speculation regarding CJP Isa's retirement, affirming that the chief justice had no interest in an extension.
The federal government has consistently denied any plans for such a move, as legal experts highlight the lack of a constitutional mechanism for extending a CJP's tenure without amendments. Such an amendment would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament, a challenging prospect, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling favoring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on reserved seats.
Tarar reiterated that CJP Isa had "clearly told me and the attorney general that he doesn't want an extension." The rumors surrounding a potential extension gained traction after PTI called for the early notification of the next chief justice of Pakistan.
