The Supreme Court of Pakistan has clarified that the off-the-record comments made by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa during a conversation with journalists were “needlessly and inaccurately” reported, causing unnecessary sensationalism. Chief Justice Isa clarified that he only refused to accept an extension through person-specific legislation and did not state that he would retire on October 24 at all costs.
In a statement issued by the court on Tuesday, it was explained that the conversation took place after the commencement of the new judicial year when some journalists asked the Chief Justice about a potential extension of his tenure. Justice Isa replied that several months earlier, the law minister had informed him that the government was considering making the Chief Justice’s term a fixed three-year post.
During the meeting attended by the Attorney General for Pakistan and the Senior Puisne Judge, the law minister suggested incorporating the Parliamentary Committee into the Judicial Commission for judges’ appointments. In response, Justice Isa emphasized that it was Parliament’s prerogative and expressed hope that those in opposition to the government would not be excluded.
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The Supreme Court expressed regret over the misreporting of this off-the-record conversation, stating, “It is regrettable that an off-the-record conversation was needlessly and in most instances inaccurately broadcast and published.” The court emphasized that undue importance given to individual remarks detracts from the focus on institutional matters, which are meant to serve the people.
On the topic of increasing the number of judges, Justice Isa said the focus should first be on filling the existing vacant positions. The court expressed disappointment over the misreporting of the off-the-record conversation, stressing that unnecessary sensationalism detracts from the importance of institutions and their role in serving the people.
