Who Will Be Next Chief Justice Of Pakistan After Ijaz Ul Hassan is announced today on 12 January 2024. The Supreme Court of Pakistan faces a shakeup due to the abrupt resignations of two justices, including Justice Ijazul Ahsan, who was expected to become the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) in January 2024. Ahsan’s exit has shed light on Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, who is now expected to become the next CJP upon the retirement of the current CJP, Qazi Faiz Isa. The departure of Ahsan has left the Supreme Court with 14 judges instead of the sanctioned 17, sparking debates among legal practitioners as Ahsan was allegedly involved in a controversy related to a case of his former client. Observers have different reactions to Ahsan’s exit, with some viewing it as a purge targeting dissenting voices, while others expressing hope for institutional recovery. The situation has also raised questions about accountability in the judicial system, shifting the focus onto Justice Shah and his anticipated tenure as the next CJP.
Abrupt Resignations Shake Up the Supreme Court
Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the third senior-most judge in the Supreme Court who was primed to become the next chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) in October 2021, opted to step down merely a day after his colleague resigned amid allegations of misconduct. This unexpected exit puts the spotlight on Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, who is expected to become the next CJP upon the retirement of the current CJP, Qazi Faez Isa.
The Rise of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah
The sudden nature of Justice Ahsan’s resignation has allowed Justice Shah to move up in the seniority list, with many expecting him to hold the esteemed office from August 3, 2025. Following Justice Ahsan’s decision, Justice Shah will be replacing him on the Supreme Judicial Council and a three-member special committee in charge of bench formation. Legal experts and senior counsels hope that the elevation of Justice Shah will bring stability to the institution.
Supreme Court Shrinks
Post the resignation of Justice Ahsan, the strength of the Supreme Court has reduced to 14 out of the available 16 judges. The court is now functioning with fewer judges than the sanctioned strength of 17.Justice Ahsan’s sudden exit shocked many. He was allegedly embroiled in a controversy related to hearing a case of his former client, M/s BNP (Private) Limited. His resignation has sparked a debate among legal practitioners, with some labeling it as part of a silent purge targeted at dissenting judicial voices.
Reactions to Justice Ahsan’s Exit
Reactions to Justice Ahsan’s resignation have been mixed. Some express regret, branding his departure as a shadow of a national witchhunt against out-of-step judges, politicians, and journalists. Others, however, found him to be an honorable judge and hope that the institution will recover soon. Legal experts believe that the unexpected departure of Justice Naqvi, whom Justice Ahsan had staunchly defended during the SJC proceedings, left him in an embarrassing position. This, coupled with his disagreements with current CJP Isa, is believed to have led to his resignation.
Fallout and Questions of Accountability
The fallout of Justice Ahsan’s resignation is yet to be seen, but it has indeed raised questions about accountability in the judicial system. The PML-N spokesperson, Marriyum Aurangzeb, has called for Justice Ahsan to be held accountable for his actions against democracy and the constitution. As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to Justice Shah and his potential tenure as the next Chief Justice of Pakistan.
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