Outgoing Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, who is retiring today (Friday), reflected on his 42-year-long judicial career’s life-changing moments while addressing a full-court reference at the Supreme Court, organised to honour him and his services.
While quipping that “hours are left to freedom”, CJP Isa, in his emotional farewell speech, described his appointment as chief justice of Balochistan as a watershed moment in his career.
“I accepted the position at a time when there was no judge in Balochistan,” the outgoing chief justice said, with his wife Sarina Isa, other family members, and Supreme Court judges present in the audience at the farewell reference.
Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan, senior lawyer Farooq H Naek and Justice Yahya Afridi — who is set to replace CJP Isa after he relinquishes the charge — attended the session and praised the outgoing justice in their opening remarks before his address.Play Video
CJP Isa began by thanking everyone who attended the event, including CJP-designate Justice Afridi, and those who didn’t.
Accepting all the praise and appreciation from the participants of the session, the top judge said that it was fortunate that his wife was present during the reference as she would have never believed that people lauded him.
Shedding light on his life and career, CJP Isa said his mother advised him to complete his degree first before doing anything else.
“I was married right after I completed my studies. My married life and career are both 42 years long,” he said.
CJP Isa further stated that his father was the first barrister in Balochistan. He said that his wife, Sarina, had a major role in his services in Balochistan but it was her wish not to highlight her name.
