Senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, tendered his resignation on Thursday, following the recent resignation of Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi.
The written resignation has been submitted to President Dr. Arif Alvi, although the content remains undisclosed.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the third most senior judge in the Supreme Court, was noticeably absent from today’s Supreme Judicial Council meeting.
His absence is noteworthy as he was previously considered a frontrunner for the position of Chief Justice, expected to assume office in October 2024.
The impending retirement of Justice Sardar Tariq Masood on March 10, 2024, as the second most senior judge, will leave Justice Mansoor as the most senior judge on the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, the anticipated retirement of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa on October 25, 2024, is expected to pave the way for Justice Mansoor Ali Shah to assume the role of Chief Justice, indicating substantial changes in the Supreme Court’s leadership.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan recused himself today from participating in the Supreme Judicial Council proceedings related to Justice Mazahir Akbar Naqvi, who had resigned a day earlier citing concerns over alleged misconduct. Justice Naqvi had faced a complaint of corruption and incomplete asset details.
In his resignation, Justice Naqvi expressed gratitude for serving in both the Lahore High Court and the Supreme Court but cited the public nature of information and the need for due process as reasons for stepping down.
He vehemently denied the allegations against him and highlighted the impracticality of continuing as a Supreme Court judge in the given circumstances.
Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi’s departure comes after a failed attempt to secure a stay order on the Supreme Judicial Council proceedings concerning the charges against him. In his resignation, Justice Naqvi acknowledged the honor of serving in the judiciary but emphasized the challenges faced under the prevailing circumstances. The judge underscored that his decision to resign was a result of careful consideration, and he departed from the Supreme Court building to his residence.
