ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial is all set to retire from his esteemed office on September 16, and the chief justice-designated, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, will take oath on September 17.
The Supreme Court Bar Association will host a farewell dinner in honour of the CJP Bandial on September 13.
As the 28th chief justice of the apex court, Justice Bandial was sworn into office on February 22, 2022, after the retirement of his predecessor, Gulzar Ahmed, on February 21.
As per the constitution, a chief justice retires after reaching the age of 65, also called the age of superannuation. After his retirement, the senior-most judge becomes the chief justice.
The president only issues the appointment notification and has otherwise no role in the appointment of the top judge.
Chief Justice Bandial’s Tenure
Justice Umar Ata Bandial served in the office for nineteen months. His successor Justice Isa, will stay in the office till October 25, 2024.
Justice Isa will be replaced by the senior-most judge in line, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, who will work as the chief justice till August 4, 2025. Following him, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah will assume the charge as the chief justice and will remain in the esteemed office till November 26, 2027.
He will be replaced by Justice Munib Akhtar, who will serve till December 13, 2028. After him, Justice Yahya Afridi will be the top judge of the land till January 22, 2030.
The retirement of Justice Afridi in 2030 will be a historic moment, as he will likely be replaced by Justice Ayesha Malik, who will be the first female chief justice of Pakistan.
