KARACHI: Former acting chief justice Rana Bhagwandas passed away in Karachi on Monday, DawnNews reported.
The 73-year-old former judge was under treatment for a heart ailment at a private hospital at the time of his passing.
He was the first Hindu and the second non-Muslim head of Pakistan’s judiciary and had been a Supreme Court judge since Feb 2000.
Born in Naseerabad, Larkana District (now Qamber Shahdadkot District) in Sindh in Dec 1942, Justice (retd) Bhagwandas had a postgraduate degree in Islamic Studies and was considered an expert on constitutional law.
He was a practising advocate for about two years before being appointed as a judge in July 1967. He was made a judge of the Sindh High Court in June 1994.
Read| Non-Muslims not barred from becoming judges: SHC
In 2002, the Sindh High Court had dismissed a challenge to his appointment to the higher judiciary on the grounds that he was a non-Muslim.
He was appointed acting Chief Justice for a few days in 2005 and 2006, during the absence of then Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry from the country.
Also read: Bhagwandas backs lawyers’ struggle
He was again appointed as acting chief justice of Pakistan during the judicial crisis in 2007.
Also read: Bhagwandas appointed FPSC chief
Justice (retd) Bhagwandas was appointed as the Federal Public Service Commission.(FPSC) chairman in November 2009 after his retirement from the Supreme Court.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon Hussain, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Sardar Muhammad Raza, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan issued condolence messages expressing grief and sorrow over the demise of Rana Bhagwandas.
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Comments (146) Closed
Feb 23, 2015 08:59am
He was most respectable,and honorable judge in Pakistan.Will be long remembered.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:01am
Very sad. RIP & condolence to the family of late Justice Bhagwandas.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:03am
"In 2002, the Sindh High Court had dismissed a challenge to his appointment to the higher judiciary on the grounds that he was a non-Muslim." what a racist challenge? RIP!
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Feb 23, 2015 09:05am
RIP. A great Justice of the SC
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Feb 23, 2015 09:05am
He was surely a gentle soul. A proud of Karachiitte. He would of perform way much better than Chaudhry Iftikhar but he was sadly born in a country where there are racism based on religion and ethnicism.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:05am
RIP Sir...
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Feb 23, 2015 09:07am
Sad news .He was a legend man as he not only survived in a fanatic society of pakistan but also made his name.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:09am
RIP..
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Feb 23, 2015 09:12am
why in Pakistan good people die so early. May his soul rest in peace
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Feb 23, 2015 09:16am
RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 09:18am
An excellent part of Judicial History is gone. A principled person.RIP Sir.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:19am
Rest in Peace to a Great Pakistani. Wish Pakistan would learn to cultivate and exploit the talents of all of its citizens for mutual benefit.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:19am
RIP!!! A man of struggle and professional excellence who rose from lowest rank (judicial magistrate/ civil judge) to the highest rung of Pakistan's Judicial Hierarchy.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:22am
RIP...
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Feb 23, 2015 09:22am
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:23am
R.I.P.
Great human being always remembered!
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Feb 23, 2015 09:23am
What a plight of Non Muslims in Pakistan...!!!
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Feb 23, 2015 09:25am
God bless him Moksha.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:26am
Rest in peace champion
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Feb 23, 2015 09:26am
The man of virtues and great character passed away; we all Salute him and his roll as man and as Justice; Pakistan needs Baghwan Day like men
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Feb 23, 2015 09:29am
May Allah rest his soul in peace. I met with him personally and was quite impressed how simple and humble person he was.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:32am
An honest and upright man.RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 09:34am
Sad and respects. A loss!! Very sad
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Feb 23, 2015 09:37am
Rest in Peace Sir....
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Feb 23, 2015 09:37am
What a great loss. So learned yet so humane. Had the honour of meeting him during his transit in Chicago. Will miss his learned conversations and regular emails. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:40am
We need many more like Justice Bhagwandas in our judiciary.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:42am
RIP. You were one of the few honest Pakistanis that served the country in recent years.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:44am
Rest in Peace Justice
May Justice be done to you. Ameen
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Feb 23, 2015 09:45am
A great loss for Pakistan. He was both an able and honest Pakistani, a man of his
principles and a paragon of integrity.
A very sad day for Pakistan.
Dear Late Justice Bhagwan Das,
We will miss you very much, You are/were an inspiration.
Pakistan salutes you for your outstanding services.
Pakistan has lost one of her most vigilant GUARD today.
Pakistan weeps for her Great Loss!
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Feb 23, 2015 09:45am
Rest in peace at ur heavenly abode sir,respect
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Feb 23, 2015 09:45am
The only one honest judge among a pack of leeches. Rest in peace!
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Feb 23, 2015 09:46am
@Pady - This has nothing to do with plight of non-muslims in Pakistan. Did you also question plight go non-muslims in Pakistan when Rana sahib was made judge of supreme court? He has died after service to his country. May his should rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:47am
@tawari 72 years is not "so early". May his soul rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:50am
RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 09:50am
@Amjad
This is supposed to be a condolence message, unnecessary criticism
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Feb 23, 2015 09:51am
Everyone notices the Lotus from the pond like Mr.Bhagwandas.
They are good example people never bent rules for the rulers. That bring justice to the society, and no is above the law.
Like Mr.Bhagwandas in Pakistan or Abdul Kalam in India brings us Trust, harmony and peace in society.
May God bless his soul to be rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:51am
He worked honestly and was man of principles.
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Feb 23, 2015 09:54am
Mr.Bhagwandas, all of Pakistan salutes you!
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Feb 23, 2015 09:58am
RIP and thank you for your service
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Feb 23, 2015 09:58am
R I P .......
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Feb 23, 2015 10:04am
RIP...another great of our community has left us :'(
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Feb 23, 2015 10:05am
He was a man of principals. He refused the post of CEC because of the proposed person specific constitutional amendment.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:05am
As a patriotic Muslim Pakistani, I feel grateful to, and proud of an honest and honourable Hindu Pakistani, who honoured our country by his noble and worthy services, and by serving at the highest level of our Judiciary.
Not everyone is an ignorant indoctrinated fanatic in PK. Many of us have researched Islam, grown thereby, and found therefrom...love for all.
I salute you sir. May God bless you, and may you rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:08am
Sad news. May Allah rest his soul in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:09am
Such a great, committed and knowledgeable Judge. RIP!
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Feb 23, 2015 10:13am
A great, noble Pakistani has passed away. Pakistan and the world is a lot poorer for that. God bless Mr. Bhagwandas.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:21am
He was a great man indeed. But sometime people get recognition just because of not being that bad as their competitors are. Thats the same which happened with bhagwan das he was a normal person but Iftikhar chauhadry was too bad to comared with thats why bhagwan das got the fame.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:22am
I was honoured to know Rana Sahib. Just 4 or 5 days back I had received an email from him asking me to stop sending him emails for the interim, since he was unwell, and unable to reply. Not in my wildest dreams did I think he would be gone, so soon.
An honourable, honest and inherently decent man, free from biases, Rana Sahib was an institution. He spoke the truth, and was unafraid to call a spade a spade. Pakistan today has lost one of its icons. May God/ Allah/ Bhagwaan bless the soul of Rana Sahib.
It is indeed a very sad day for Pakistan today.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:23am
RIP Mr. Bhagwandas!
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Feb 23, 2015 10:23am
RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 10:24am
A decent person and a good judge, not involved in controversies ,his services could have been utilized better by giving him position of more importance then what he was given.May his soul rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:30am
May Allah rest his soul in peace..!
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Feb 23, 2015 10:32am
I will never forget the petition where it was challenged that he is not competent because he is not a Muslim. Court had agreed to hear it as the party who could not influence him wanted to use any tactic to have their way. It was international pressure which forced the Shariff's government of the day to get this hearing called off - sadly third time round it is the same old story.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:35am
Will be long remembered.We need many more like Justice Bhagwandas in our judiciary.
Pakistanis are proud of you. May Allah give sabar to family of late Justice Bhagwandas.
Only politician divid us not religion sir. You have proved it. ...
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Feb 23, 2015 10:39am
@Syed - Can you change in a small way?
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Feb 23, 2015 10:40am
Rana sahb., you will be missed.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:40am
rest in peace sir
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Feb 23, 2015 10:41am
A great human is always remembered. He could have migrated to India after partition but instead he chose to serve people of Pakistan. An honest and brave Pakistani.
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Feb 23, 2015 10:41am
Rest in peace sir!! You so always be remembered. .. a great n noble soul....
condolences to the family. ..
big loss for Pakistan
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Feb 23, 2015 10:48am
Salute to Honorable Justice Rana Bagwandas...
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Feb 23, 2015 10:56am
He was the great,I met him some months ago...Sad departure.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:00am
Great warrior departs after relentlessly serving his motherland Pakistan despite all odds and difficulties. These men and women are real life heroes in our diversed disturbing societies of South Asia who uphold their duty and country first.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:03am
@Pady Justice Bhagwandas along with Justice Patel and Justice Cornelius (all non-muslims) were three of the best jurists in Pakistan and they were given their due respect by a grateful nation for their services to Pakistan. So, what is your beef?
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Feb 23, 2015 11:03am
RIP! A great name in the history of Pakistan.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:05am
RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 11:06am
RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 11:06am
Rana sahibwas one man that M. A. Jinnah would be most proud of...a man of highest morals or intellect, integrity and honesty... a true justice of people and who could deliver justice to one and all as the created meant and Jinnah had hoped.. I am sure he had wished in progressive Pakistan there would .there would be more Bhagwandas 's of the World then less of Chaudhries like Iftikhar and Sharreefs and Zardari ;s world in Pakistan.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:06am
A great and honest man passes away. Rest in peace sir
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Feb 23, 2015 11:11am
RIP...He was great person Honorable judge will be remembered.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:13am
Will be long remembered as being honest, un-biased and above board judge! our so called Qazis (judges) must learn a lesson from his career!
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Feb 23, 2015 11:14am
A great Pakistani.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:22am
May his soul rest in peace he did much to serve the cause of justice.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:31am
R I P.
You were pride pf Pakistan.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:31am
May Allah bless him with peace, ameen. Truely a great man.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:42am
One less decent and honest man in Pakistan. Condolence to his family.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:43am
RIP sir
one of the very few honest judges we had had. a man of character and a man of integrity
condolences to family
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Feb 23, 2015 11:45am
Rest in Peace. He was most respectful and senior judge in the history of Pakistan. your work towards the development of our country will be remembered forever.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:51am
Great personality. I really admire Rana Bhagwan Das. He was an extremely disciplined and man of principles.
His stance of avoiding remarks and media during his appointment as CJ in 2007.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:07pm
By seeing comments of so many pakistanis here regarding Justice Rana Bhagwan Das, I have come to believe that pakistanis have respect for non muslims in their country and have no issues in minorities holding eminent positions.
This is in sheer contradiction of generally perceived image of pakistani people towards minorities as portrayed by Media.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:09pm
truly a man of high values a man who proved justice is above cast and creed, a goat in the heard of sheeps.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:10pm
@Gaurav Arya Well said...
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Feb 23, 2015 12:12pm
One of the country's greatest jurists. May he rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:17pm
May be only Minority face of Pakistan
RIP Sir
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Feb 23, 2015 12:18pm
@Abdullah Yousuf Definitely a honest, honourable and respected human being we will be answerable for our failure to convey haqaniat of Islam to him.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:20pm
RIP Mr. Bhagwandas. You were inspiration to those who think being a minority is hurdle in a serving your motherland in highest order. You served your country well. A big salute from India.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:21pm
He was not a Hindu and not a Muslim judge first but a full citizen of Pakistan with all the rights for any citizen. My condolences go to his Family.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:24pm
RIP Sir,
Our hearts go out to the bereaved family.
Will always be remembered.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:35pm
He was good man. May he rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:35pm
Sad news. I wonder why good poeple leave Pakistan so early leaving behind lotaras and currupt that never leave.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:43pm
Pakistan have lost one very valuable citizen. RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 12:50pm
RIP, very nice Man of History in SC, I salute u sir.
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Feb 23, 2015 12:54pm
RIP, sad day.
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Feb 23, 2015 01:01pm
Our salute to a great justice. Who facing all problem to serve nation. This is big answer to person who is extremist . And minorties has very senstive to serve own nation. Sir and apj kalam are inspiraton to all minorties.and our big duty to save the right and faith of minorties in any nation in world.and the good person fought for minorties to save their identity and integrity,so he serve her nation with full potential and preserve humanity.
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Feb 23, 2015 01:07pm
I am so sorry.
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Feb 23, 2015 01:12pm
We will miss you Sir! Lots of Love and prayers for your final abode. Very few people know his strong inclination towards spirituality, positiveness and faith in immorality of one's soul which led him live a selfless life. He spread that positiveness to all people around him like a rose who spreads its perfume to its surroundings. Thank you
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Feb 23, 2015 01:20pm
RIP...
the only possible way.....
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Feb 23, 2015 01:34pm
one of the few extra ordinary ppl who lived in pak. had he been a normal person, cj iftikhar could have said good bye to his cj ship. the success of lawyer movement has more to do with the stance of rana bhagwandas then cj iftikhar himself
he was the unanimous candidate for election commissioner only a shortwhile ago. the parties were willing to amend constitution to appoint him on the post. he refused on the grounds of principles that amending of constitution for one person was not the right thing to do
wish we had more ppl of integrity like him
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Feb 23, 2015 01:35pm
A man of character.
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Feb 23, 2015 01:45pm
A judge who earned the respect from all and sundry and upheld the principles and dignity of his office through out. A pride for the country. May his soul rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 01:48pm
An inspiration to all the pakistani people, May his soul always rest in peace....
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Feb 23, 2015 01:56pm
Respects sir, You have proved that people can come up to any level in the face of adversities . May his soul rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 02:01pm
RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 02:14pm
Pakistan has lost a such man, who were beneficial to it. Great Man.!!
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Feb 23, 2015 02:16pm
Rest in peace!
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Feb 23, 2015 02:19pm
He paid heavy price of not migrating to india. He would have respected and achieved much more in india. ( like apj abdul kalam)
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Feb 23, 2015 02:20pm
I hope more ETHNIC MINORITY people are given chances in Pakistan and protected.
Christian, Shia, balochi, Sindhi, Ahmadi, Pakhtun, Hindu and others hopefully get a equal treatment and face no violence in future!
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Feb 23, 2015 02:21pm
RIP.
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Feb 23, 2015 02:26pm
We lost another great person, praying for his sole rest in peace and ALLAH give strength to his family for irreparable loss.
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Feb 23, 2015 02:31pm
@Amjad .. dont write negative comment .. he was Chief Justice but Ch. Iftikhar was the most senior and youngest therefore many great judges retired under him ! everyone ignored his religion cz he was exceptional human
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Feb 23, 2015 02:42pm
Rest in Peace. He was one of the better judges in Pakistan. He served his country well. A loss indeed.
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Feb 23, 2015 02:48pm
@apoorva "May be only Minority face of Pakistan RIP Sir" No, there are many many more. It's just that we don't brag about it.
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Feb 23, 2015 02:53pm
A man with strong principles, what a man he was.
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Feb 23, 2015 02:54pm
@Balram Sharma
We dont care what religion he was, as long as he was competent.
Although to be very frank, I will also miss a personality like him because he reminded me of what the original vision was for Pakistan, a tolerant and inclusive society where you would be judged on your honesty, dedication to duty and competence.
Sigh, anyway, RIP Justice Sahib
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Feb 23, 2015 02:54pm
RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 03:06pm
RIP Sir, one of the country's most decent and hard working jurists. admire you for upholding the highest professional values
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Feb 23, 2015 03:12pm
A sad day for all of us as a nation.A man of wisdom integrity and honesty he has left a shining legacy for our judiciary to follow.May god bless him and may his soul rest in eternal peace.He will be missed now and always.
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Feb 23, 2015 03:19pm
R.I.P.
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Feb 23, 2015 03:31pm
It is indeed a saddening news. However, it is heartening to read overwhelming positive comments about him, which only proves we all have good inside, which we rarely allow to come out.
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Feb 23, 2015 03:37pm
Pakistan salute you Sir. You have served your country well and may your legacy lives on and set example of those from our minorities that everything is achievable in this country once you have put your mind and soul into it.
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Feb 23, 2015 03:42pm
Sad news, great loss for the country, RIP.
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Feb 23, 2015 03:50pm
Mr. Justice (retired) Rana Bhagwandas; was a highly respected name of the Pakistani judiciary. He was honest, honourable and respected human. He was a man who earned the respect from all and sundry and upheld the principles and dignity of his office through out. A pride for the country. He was the first Hindu and the second non-Muslim head of Pakistan’s judiciary and had been a Supreme Court judge since Feb 2000. May his soul rest in peace.
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Feb 23, 2015 03:52pm
What a legend ..what an absolute legend.
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Feb 23, 2015 04:09pm
@Abdulla Hussain Great reaction. May the soul of Justice Bhagwan Das RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 04:17pm
RIP sir. proud to be his neibhour from nasirabad. very honest and dedicated person also have a great knowledge of islam.
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Feb 23, 2015 04:22pm
Very honest Judge. RIP Bhagwandas Sahab
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Feb 23, 2015 04:48pm
RIP
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Feb 23, 2015 04:52pm
He was a patriotic Pakistani as a non Muslim and Honorable judge. He was a man of honour when compared to all the Muslim judges in Pakistan.
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Feb 23, 2015 04:59pm
RIP.
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Feb 23, 2015 05:00pm
A judge went into the Court of the Lord of all the worlds. He will now be judged on his judgments made on earth. :) A judge being judged.
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Feb 23, 2015 05:02pm
R.I.P
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Feb 23, 2015 05:10pm
He was such a nice person i personally knew him, He is man of courage and belong to middle class family while during the childhood he earned his name by getting education and still his younger brother has Autos business. You are the symbol of Pakistan!
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Feb 23, 2015 05:34pm
@Amjad which country is free from it? But yes we should strive to eradicate it in our country
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Feb 23, 2015 05:57pm
@tahir
May God place the soul of Bhagwandas Sahib among the believers of Justice !
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Feb 23, 2015 05:58pm
Pakistany Authorities did a good job. Briefing also very good. I know he was appointed as achief justice of Supreme Court by Journal retired Chief of staff army Journal Musharraf.
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Feb 23, 2015 06:11pm
Thank you sir for your contribution to judiciary in Pakistan, remarkable career!
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Feb 23, 2015 06:16pm
RIP great soul. you are an inspiration to both pakistan and india.
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Feb 23, 2015 07:00pm
A great judge in a great country of Pakistan. To have a Hindu judge. Sure this must be shocking to some, as it is not what they were taught about pakistan.
I think he was the second Hindu judge, the first being,Mr Joginder Nath Mandal, appointed as the very first Chief Justice and Minister of Law, by Qaied-e-Azam in 1947.
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Feb 23, 2015 08:01pm
Rest in peace. Ashes to ashes, they say, but you (soul) lives, your good deeds live, your wisdom lives. Salute you the son of Indus Valley Civilization, that flourished in Sindh Province, home to enterprising, hard working, broad minded intelligentsia.
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Feb 23, 2015 08:11pm
Sad news.
But as a justice he was not competitive. He has biased in himself and made controversial decisions, which I personally affected. Justice was not served...
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Feb 23, 2015 08:21pm
My condolences to Iftikhar Chaydhary, Arsalan Iftikhar, Asif Ali zardari and Nawaz Sharif.
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Feb 23, 2015 08:32pm
@Balram Sharma Yes. It shows that many Pakistanis see the truth for what it is, even without religious or other bias. It reveals the presence of an objective and honest mindset notwithstanding the prevalent compulsions, and here indeed is the Hope for Pakistan.
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Feb 23, 2015 11:07pm
You were a ray of hope for us. May Allah bless your soul.
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Feb 24, 2015 12:58am
It's a great loss! very sad day for a nation who already looking for such high value honest person in judiciary. We all will miss you Rana jee! RIP!
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Feb 24, 2015 10:12pm
He was my best friend in Karachi I know he was a good person.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:30am
Very sad.great humanbeing & judge.RIP. My condolence to the family.
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Feb 25, 2015 03:44am
Very sad. RIP. Sir....
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