ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has categorically stated that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) 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, 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.
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.
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