THE rumour mill had been working overtime regarding a purported extension for the chief justice of the country. However, at an event at the Supreme Court on Monday, CJP Qazi Faez Isa put all speculation to rest by publicly stating that he was not interested in an extension. Moves to bring about a ‘constitutional package’ by the government, that would include enhancing the retirement ages of the chief justices, had fuelled debate regarding CJP Isa’s future in the apex court. Yet as the CJP noted, “I will not accept any extension to my tenure only”. According to a statement from the CJP’s secretary, the government wanted a three-year term, though Justice Isa was not interested in person-specific changes. It is welcome that the top judge has cleared the air, though the clarification may have come a bit late in the day. Speculation regarding the extension had been doing the rounds for several months; earlier, too, the law minister had said the CJP, who is due to retire next month, was not interested in extending his tenure. The ‘constitutional package’ in question is, of course, not a straightforward legislative matter, as the government is trying to muster the numbers to pass laws with two-thirds’ majority that will have long-lasting impacts on national life.

Coming back to CJP Isa, while one may differ with some of his judgements, the chief justice has had an impeccable career, and it is unfortunate that he was being maligned as he prepared to hang up his judicial robes. CJP Isa referred to this when he mentioned attempts to scandalise the judiciary, and also highlighted reforms he had undertaken during his tenure. With the confusion cleared now, hopefully there should be no more rumour-mongering as CJP Isa leaves the Supreme Court, and the senior puisne judge, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, takes the gavel. The top judge’s decision should also serve as a precedent for other senior tenured posts in the country. The culture of extensions is a controversial one in Pakistan, and though senior officials can possibly continue to advise national institutions post-retirement, they should leave with grace at the end of their tenure. This is to ensure merit, and to allow talented individuals waiting in the wings a chance to contribute to national life. Scrapping the culture of extensions would also bring greater transparency and end intrigues in the corridors of power.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024