Outgoing CJP Isa reflects on career’s watershed moments

At a full-court reference held at the Supreme Court to celebrate him and his services, departing Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, who is retiring today (Friday), reflected on the pivotal occasions in his 42-year judicial career.
In his tearful departure speech, CJP Isa referred to his appointment as chief judge of Balochistan as a turning point in his career, even though he joked that “hours are left to freedom.”
The departing chief justice, accompanied by his wife Sarina Isa, other family members, and Supreme Court judges, remarked, “I accepted the position at a time when there was no judge in Balochistan,” during the farewell address.

The session was attended by Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan, senior attorney Farooq H. Naek, and Justice Yahya Afridi, who would succeed CJP Isa after he drops the case. Prior to his speech, they commended the departing justice.
CJP Isa started off by expressing gratitude to everyone who came, including CJP-designate Justice Afridi, as well as those who did not.
The top judge, who accepted all of the compliments and gratitude from the session’s attendees, noted that his wife’s presence during the reference was lucky because she would never have thought that he was being praised.
CJP Isa shared details about his life and profession, stating that his mother encouraged him to finish his degree before pursuing any other endeavours.