QUETTA, Sept 3 With seats of 10 judges lying vacant in the Balochistan High Court, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Issa alone is hearing petitions and appeals since his appointment on Aug 5.

On Aug 4, five BHC judges, including chief justice Amanullah Yasinzai, sought premature retirement after Supreme Court's judgment against judges who had taken oath under the Provisional Constitution Order.

According to sources, names of 10 judges were forwarded to the president about a month ago but no decision has been taken so far.

BHC Bar Association's president Hadi Shakeel Ahmed cited a Supreme Court judgment under which vacant seats of judges should be filled within 30 days.

“Cases are being adjourned repeatedly,” complained one Zahid Khan who was at the BHC in connection with a case.

Balochistan Bar Council's vice-president Kamran Murtaza alleged that several political parties have sought appointment of members of their lawyers' wings as judges.