Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa Prepares for Retirement: A Legacy of Upholding Justice

As Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa approaches his retirement on October 25, 2024, upon reaching the age of superannuation, he transitions into “chamber work,” preparing to leave behind a legacy of integrity, judicial reform, and unyielding commitment to justice. During this phase, he will focus on writing judgments, a key responsibility in ensuring that his decisions continue to shape the legal landscape even after he leaves the bench.

The Legacy of Justice Qazi Faez Isa

Qazi Faez Isa was born on October 26, 1959, in Quetta to a family deeply involved in Pakistan’s struggle for independence. His father, Qazi Muhammad Isa, was a close ally of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founder. Justice Isa followed a distinguished academic path, receiving his law degree from London before being called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1982. He began practicing law in 1985 and earned a reputation for his unwavering adherence to legal principles.

Justice Isa’s career reached a defining moment when he was elevated to Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court in 2009, becoming the sole judge during a crucial time. He played an instrumental role in re-establishing the judiciary in the province, setting a strong foundation for judicial integrity. In 2014, he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Notable Cases and Contributions

Throughout his career, Justice Isa has been known for his fearless approach to upholding justice, even in cases involving powerful state entities. His dissents and judgments reflect his belief in protecting constitutional rights and ensuring accountability.

One of the most significant rulings of his career was the Faizabad Dharna case, where he criticized the interference of intelligence agencies in the country’s political affairs and defended the right to free speech. His judgment highlighted that no institution, including the media, could be censored by the government or intelligence agencies, strengthening Pakistan’s constitutional framework.

Justice Isa also took a stand against corruption and governmental inefficiencies, particularly in his rulings on illegal practices in government projects. His judgments often pointed out how massive funds were being handled by a select group, bypassing the established methods of checks and balances.

The Reference and Controversy

In 2019, Justice Isa faced a presidential reference that accused him of failing to declare certain properties owned by his wife. The case, however, was dismissed, with the court ruling that the reference had glaring procedural irregularities and that Justice Isa’s wife, Mrs. Sarina Isa, had independent means to own the properties in question. This episode further solidified his image as a man of integrity, committed to transparency and fairness.

In 2024, he was also entangled in controversies related to allegations of election rigging during the general elections. However, Justice Isa denied all allegations, and the accuser later retracted the claims, apologizing publicly.

Chief Justice Isa’s Retirement and Selection of a New CJP

As Justice Isa prepares to retire, his next responsibility is to send the names of the three most senior judges to a parliamentary committee under the 26th constitutional amendment. This committee will select the new Chief Justice of Pakistan, ensuring a smooth transition of power and continuity in the judicial system.

The Final Verdict

Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s contributions to Pakistan’s judiciary have been monumental. His commitment to upholding the constitution and defending the rights of citizens, even in the face of controversy, has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Pakistan. As he steps down, the legacy of his judgments, integrity, and advocacy for judicial reform will continue to influence the nation for years to come.