ISLAMABAD: As he retires today, outgoing Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa reflected on pivotal moments of his 42-year judicial career during a full-court reference at the Supreme Court held in his honor, here on Friday.
In his farewell remarks, he humorously noted he was only “hours away from freedom” and described his appointment as Chief Justice of Balochistan as a defining moment.
The ceremony was attended by his wife Sarina Isa, family, and Supreme Court judges. Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan, senior lawyer Farooq H Naek, and incoming CJP Justice Yahya Afridi also paid tribute to the outgoing judge.
CJP Isa expressed gratitude to those in attendance, acknowledging the heartfelt praise. He noted his wife’s surprise at the accolades, joking that she might not believe them otherwise.
He shared personal milestones, such as his mother’s advice to complete his studies before marriage, resulting in a 42-year journey of both career and marriage. He also mentioned his father’s legacy as the first barrister in Balochistan and credited his wife Sarina for her quiet but vital role in his career.
Recalling his appointment as Balochistan’s chief justice, he mentioned how then-Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry called on him to fill the role.
“I assumed he was summoning me to reprimand, but instead, he offered me the position due to a lack of judiciary in Balochistan,” he said, calling the moment life-changing.
Reflecting on his journey, CJP Isa praised the guidance he received from lawyers and his efforts to revitalize an inactive court in Balochistan. He also highlighted women’s growing role in the field, humorously warning men to keep up.
Sharing a touching letter, he received from a woman who felt one of his rulings protected her family, he underscored the judiciary’s responsibility to serve justice. “I may have made errors in judgments, but decisions are based on law and evidence,” he said, adding that “only Allah knows the truth.”
Incoming CJP Justice Afridi commended his predecessor, describing him as a kind and principled person, whose impact will be missed in the Supreme Court.
He admitted to moments of disagreement but acknowledged CJP Isa’s willingness to consider other views. In a lighthearted moment, Justice Afridi joked about CJP Isa’s sometimes formidable temper, which prompted laughter from CJP Isa.
Justice Afridi pledged to prioritize judicial decentralization, especially focusing on remote district courts. Tomorrow, Justice Afridi will assume his role as the 30th Chief Justice, with President Asif Ali Zardari administering the oath.
Under new reforms, Justice Afridi will be the first CJP appointed according to Articles 175A (3), 177, and 179 of the Constitution, following the 26th Amendment. While the reforms were passed with a two-thirds majority, they were opposed by PTI, which pledged to reverse them, citing threats to judicial independence and objecting to Justice Afridi’s appointment.
