PESHAWAR: The outgoing chief justice of Peshawar High Court, Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, has said that he stood solid against every odd attempt to thwart justice in the face of unprecedented challenges and onslaught on the rule of law and supremacy of Constitution.

“I annihilated all shadows subverting the supremacy of law in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Though the battle cost me career progression yet believe me, it is my sheer success that Allah Almighty granted me strength and wisdom to confront the formidable challenges with firm resolve,” he said.

Justice Khan, who retired on Sunday after serving judiciary for 31 years, was addressing a farewell get together organised in his honour by district and sessions judges and principal officers of high court on Saturday night.

The function was also addressed by the high court chief justice-designate, Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, who will take oath as acting chief justice today (Monday).

Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim takes oath as acting chief justice today

“I have been deciding high profile cases amidst peculiar law and order situation and political turmoil in our motherland wherein my commitment to uphold the rule of law and supremacy of Constitution have been unshakable and unyielding,” said Justice Khan who served as chief justice of PHC for more than nine months.

He stated that that fear of Allah Almighty always remained with him as a guiding light while taking each and every step in life. “Throughout my tenure, I have faced numerous challenges, from shifts in legal paradigms to the ever-evolving demands of public trust and technological advancements,” he added.

Justice Khan said: “Nevertheless, each obstacle has been met with the unwavering commitment and profound dedication of my brother judges to upholding the law with integrity, fairness and an unyielding respect for the principles of justice.”

He said when he first stepped into the role of chief justice, he was acutely aware of the immense responsibilities that lay ahead and the profound impact their decisions had on the fabric of society. “It has been an honour of the highest order to serve the cause of justice alongside my brother judges and distinguished judges of our esteemed district courts,” he added.

Justice Khan, who was elevated to high court as additional judge in August 2016 and subsequently confirmed in June 2018, said that deep inside his heart he was extremely contended and happy as he had done justice with the oath he was administered with. “I can safely proclaim this on the Day of Judgment before the lord of the lords that your slave has performed his duty as is ordained to him,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of alternate dispute resolution (ADR), he stated that he resorted to resolve disputes through amicable settlement between parties and decided thousands of family, civil and criminal cases through ADR.

“ADR is by now declared as international best practice prevailing worldwide and tonight I would urge before this august gathering and to the chief justice-designate to invest faculties in this strengthening disposal through this mode of dispute resolution,” said Justice Khan.

He also congratulated Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and senior puisne judge Justice Ijaz Anwar and said that their dedication, integrity and commitment to upholding the principles of justice had been evident throughout their distinguished careers.

“As you take on the mantle of leadership in our judiciary, I have full confidence that you will continue to uphold the highest standards of fairness, impartiality and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim expressed his resolve for upholding rule of law and supremacy of the constitution. He praised the outgoing chief justice, stating that his services for the judiciary would be remembered.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2024