Justice Qazi Faez Isa, a prominent judge in Pakistan, has come under fire for attending an event at parliament commemorating the golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution. PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry accused Justice Isa of displaying partiality by sitting with politicians and called for his resignation.
His defence
Justice Isa issued a clarification stating that he had been invited along with all other judges of the Supreme Court to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Prior to accepting the invitation, inquiries were made about political speeches, and assurances were extended that only the Constitution and its making would be spoken about. The judge maintained that he had been asked if he would like to speak and he had declined. However, when political statements were made in a few speeches, he requested to speak to correct any misconceptions that may arise, and he did so.
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He expressed surprise over some people objecting to where he sat as well as his presence at the function to commemorate the Constitution. He clarified that he would have preferred to sit in the hall on one side or in the gallery, but respect was shown to a member of the judiciary by seating him at the centre, and he did not choose to sit there.
Commemorating the Constitution
The judge pointed out that the Constitution was unanimously enacted by the peoples’ directly elected representatives at all ends of the political spectrum, testifying to their insights. He noted that the Constitution established that even the most intractable problems can be solved with sincerity and motivation when the peoples’ interest is kept paramount. He added that the elected representatives of the people are deserving of all respect and that without the politicians of the All India Muslim League, Pakistan would not have gained independence.
Significance of the Constitution
Justice Isa recalled that when Pakistan did not have a Constitution enacted by the directly elected representatives of the people, the country broke apart. He emphasised that the Constitution’s lingering mistake was finally rectified 50 years ago, and the peoples’ fundamental rights were recognized and enshrined in the Constitution. The judge highlighted that the salvation of all Pakistanis lies in adherence to the Constitution and citizens are best served if seeds of discord are not planted. Justice Isa concluded that the making of the Constitution is one of the greatest moments in Pakistan’s history, which should be celebrated, and its significance must be impressed upon all citizens continuously.
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PTI leader and Gujranwala Bar
PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry accused Justice Isa of showing partiality while paying a visit to parliament and sitting among politicians. He demanded that Justice Isa resign and claimed that parliament had made a mockery of the top court. He also stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s resignation was the only solution to all the crises being faced by the country. The Gujranwala District Bar filed a complaint against Justice Isa in the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), seeking his removal from his post. The bar accused Justice Isa of “misconduct” and argued that he had violated the code of conduct by sitting among “corrupt” politicians. It added that the Constitution called for a distinction between the judiciary and executive.
Justice Isa’s defence of attending parliament for the 1973 Constitution’s golden jubilee underscores the importance of upholding the Constitution and separation of powers. His dedication to impartiality and accurate information is admirable, and the event serves as a reminder of participatory democracy’s power.