Full court reference: Qazi Faez Isa counts his feats as Chief Justice of Pakistan
Justice Isa advised nominated CJ Afridi; tribute to his wife as a lifelong companion
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Isa addressed the farewell full court reference held in his honor, reflecting on his 42 years of marriage and professional life while emphasizing the significant strides made in Balochistan's judiciary under his leadership.
In his speech, Justice Isa expressed gratitude, stating, “Thankfully, my wife is there. If I had told him that someone praised me, he would not have believed.” He reminisced about his early life, sharing that he was only sixteen when he lost his father, a barrister in Balochistan. He recounted his mother’s advice to pursue a degree and then follow his passions.
He gave advice to nominated justice Afridi after his speech, by narrating an unknown letter from the litigant who received justice from the Qazi Faez Isa court, that he should be careful while delivering justice to complainants. He delivered his lecture in Urdu and used the words 'zara dehaan say' to advise the upcoming chief justice of Pakistan.
Justice Isa acknowledged the role of lawyers in his professional growth, stating, “I did not get to learn from anyone; lawyers taught me a lot.”
He pointed out that he played a pivotal role in revitalizing a dormant High Court in Balochistan, mentioning the contributions made during his tenure. Notably, he remarked that his wife had made significant contributions as well, but requested that her name not be mentioned.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan praised Justice Isa’s capabilities, affirming that he “proved himself as a competent lawyer” and highlighted his commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of Balochistan's education system and wildlife preservation.
Awan noted that Justice Isa had been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the judiciary, ensuring that intelligence agencies operated within their limits and refrained from political interference.
However, several judges, including Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Malik Shahzad, and Justice Atharmanullah, did not participate in the reference, signaling ongoing tensions within the judiciary.
The farewell event was attended by nominated Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, other Supreme Court judges, lawyers, court staff, and journalists, marking a significant moment in Pakistan’s judicial history.
Attorney General highlights achievements of Justice Isa
During a Full Court Reference, Attorney General Mansoor Awan praised Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa for his significant contributions to law, democracy, and the promotion of fundamental rights during his tenure.
The Attorney General commended Chief Justice Isa for proving himself as an able lawyer, stating, “Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa also represented the Balochistan Bar Association and ensured the improvement of the education system in Balochistan.” He further noted the Chief Justice's efforts to protect wildlife in the region and highlighted his role in advocating for women's rights.
Mansoor Awan emphasized that, during his five years as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, Isa demonstrated unwavering commitment to constitutional values, stating, “The Constitution, law, democracy, and accountability remained unshakable during the 15-year tenure of the Attorney General.”
The Attorney General also acknowledged that Chief Justice Isa assured intelligence agencies would operate within their limits and refrain from interfering in political matters. He praised the Chief Justice for ensuring transparency in legal processes and providing historic decisions, such as allowing peaceful protests in the Faizabad dharna case and clarifying the role of law enforcement agencies.
Awan noted that as soon as Chief Justice Isa assumed his role, he called for a full court reference and made important decisions, including the initiative to run cases live in court. He also entrusted certain powers of the Chief Justice to a committee, reinforcing the collaborative nature of judicial functions.
“The Chief Justice plays an important role in the conduct of general elections,” Awan concluded, underscoring the significance of Chief Justice Isa's leadership in shaping Pakistan's judicial landscape.
