LAHOE MIRROR — Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, is approaching the end of his tenure, with his retirement scheduled for September 16.
In recognition of his service, the Supreme Court Bar Association has arranged a farewell dinner in his honor, to be held on September 13.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the chief justice-designate, is set to assume office on September 17, following Chief Justice Bandial’s retirement. Justice Bandial, who became the 28th chief justice of the Supreme Court, took the oath of office on February 22, 2022, following the retirement of his predecessor, Gulzar Ahmed, on February 21 of the same year.
According to constitutional provisions, a chief justice is mandated to retire upon reaching the age of 65, known as the age of superannuation. After retirement, the senior-most judge automatically assumes the role of chief justice, with the president solely responsible for issuing the appointment notification without any involvement in the selection process.
Justice Bandial has served in the chief justice’s office for 19 months. His successor, Justice Isa, is expected to serve until October 25, 2024. Following him, Justice Ijazul Ahsan will take up the position and serve as chief justice until August 4, 2025. Subsequently, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah will become the country’s top judge, holding the position until November 26, 2027.
Justice Munib Akhtar will succeed Justice Shah and serve until December 13, 2028. After his tenure, Justice Yahya Afridi is expected to assume the role of the country’s top jurist until January 22, 2030. Notably, Justice Afridi’s retirement in 2030 will mark a historic moment as he is likely to be succeeded by Justice Ayesha Malik, who would become Pakistan’s first woman chief justice.
