Justice Retired Tassaduq Jilani, who is heading the inquiry commission investigating allegations of Islamabad High Court judges, put up minimal dissent during his tenure as a Supreme Court judge under Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. This suggests his alignment with the Justice Chaudhry group, which challenged the PPP government from 2008 to 2013, raising questions about the Supreme Court’s role.
Within legal circles, he is lauded as a dignified and undisputed figure in the judiciary, earning international recognition such as the International Humanitarian of ABA award and the Rights Award.
Acknowledging his contributions, including his tenure as a lawyer since 1974 and his involvement in the Lawyers’ Restoration Movement, he has been honoured nationally and internationally, including by the Colorado Convention Center, USA.
Starting his legal career in Multan in 1974, he later served as Advocate General of Punjab and was eventually appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2013.
Despite facing challenges during General Pervez Musharraf’s emergency rule in 2007, where he actively participated in the Lawyers Restoration Movement, Jilani’s dedication to justice remained steadfast.
In addition to his legal career, Jilani has a passion for collecting antiques and planting fruit trees, showcasing his multifaceted personality beyond the courtroom.
