(Supreme Court Judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa. PHOTO: FILE)
Justice Qazi Faez Isa: A Profile of Legal Experience and Commitment to Pakistan's Constitution
Justice Qazi Faez Isa is from Balochsitan, Pakistan. He is Pakistan's 29th Chief Justice at the moment. From 2009 to 2014, he was the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court.
Some individuals stand out in the legal history of Pakistan for their deep influence on the country's jurisprudence and unshakable dedication to maintaining the rule of law. One such individual is without a doubt Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, whose 45-year judicial career has irreparably altered the legal climate of the nation.
Early Life and Legal Journey
Justice Isa, who was born in 1959 in Quetta, comes from a political family with deep roots in Pakistan. He is the son of the late Qazi Mohammad Isa of Pishin, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Movement, and the grandson of Qazi Jalaluddin, who served as the prime minister of the pre-partition Kalat state. Justice Isa's own commitment to Pakistan is unquestionably impacted by his family's legacy of public service and devotion to the needs of the country.
After practicing law for 27 years, Justice Isa started his legal career in earnest. During this time, he developed his legal knowledge and established himself as a strong legal thinker. His broad legal expertise gave him a thorough awareness of the nuances of the law and the difficulties the judiciary faces.
Oath and Commitment
Justice Isa made a solemn commitment to uphold true faith and allegiance to the country when he took the oath to serve as the Chief Justice of Pakistan. He vowed in his oath to carry out his responsibilities in line with the law and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan's constitution. This attention to the essential principles governing the country's government highlights Justice Isa's commitment to maintaining the rule of law.
Commitment to the Constitution and Rule of Law
Justice Isa has consistently remained committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law throughout his judicial career. His decisions show a great determination to protect the public interest while upholding the fundamental values of the Constitution. His jurisprudential strategy is founded on this dedication to constitutional values.
Role as 'Amicus Curiae'
Beyond his position as a judge, Justice Isa is devoted to the legal community. He has participated in many difficult matters as a "amicus curiae," or friend of the court. In this position, he has given high courts and the Supreme Court priceless support when dealing with complex legal matters. His devotion to the integrity of the judicial system is demonstrated by his readiness to offer his legal knowledge.
Controversy and Presidential Reference
When the Imran Khan-led government filed a presidential reference against Justice Isa in May 2019, he had a difficult time in his career. In the reference, it was claimed that Justice Isa had purchased numerous homes in London in his family's name without properly disclosing them in his assets declaration.
Justice Isa vehemently denied these claims, adamant that he was neither a beneficial owner of the in question assets directly nor indirectly. The ensuing legal dispute was keenly followed because of its possible effects on the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary.
Resolution of Controversy
A 10-member Supreme Court bench overturned Justice Isa's presidential reference in June 2020. However, the bench instructed the revenue authorities to ask the judge's wife and children for an explanation surrounding the funding for the London properties.
In the end, Justice Isa prevailed in 2021, nullifying the revenue officials' entire exercise. This judicial win was not only a triumph for the individual, but it also confirmed the independence of the judiciary.
Controversial Parliamentary Session
When Justice Isa attended a parliamentary meeting in April of one specific year, he found himself back in the news. His choice, according to some opponents, blurred the line between the executive and judicial branches, which is thought to be necessary for a functioning democracy.
Justice Isa emphasized that the occasion was held to honor the golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution, a significant day in Pakistan's history, in order to defend his actions. He claimed that he had guaranteed that the meeting would be solely focused on creating the constitution and would not include any political comments.
Challenges Ahead:
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa continues to serve with distinction but faces significant obstacles on many fronts. The debate over when to hold general elections and the need to have good ties with the executive branch loom large. In addition, it will be difficult to resolve the ongoing problem of civilian trials by military courts, a topic on which he has already expressed disagreement. In addition, the challenging goal of clearing a backlog of more than 56,000 open cases necessitates his careful strategic planning. His legal knowledge and dedication to justice are put to the test by these difficulties in Pakistan's judiciary, which is constantly changing.
Conclusion
The legal journey of Justice Qazi Faez Isa demonstrates his unshakable commitment to the Pakistani Constitution and the rule of law. Being committed to constitutional principles and having a wealth of legal knowledge has made him a key player in Pakistani law.
His tenacity in the face of legal difficulties and readiness to participate as an "amicus curiae" demonstrate a deep commitment to the fairness of the justice system. Justice Isa has made a lasting contribution to Pakistani law as Chief Justice, ensuring that the nation's legal system is still based on the values of fairness, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
