Pakistan’s Senior Puisne judge Qazi Faez Isa has responded to criticism over his presence at a special session in parliament. Despite sitting in the front row with politicians of the ruling coalition, Isa said he “did not choose” to sit there. In a statement, the judge clarified that he had preferred to sit in the hall or gallery, but organisers had shown respect to a member of the judiciary by seating him at the centre. Isa had attended the National Assembly convention to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Constitution, a decision that triggered debate on “optics” and “perceptions”.
All Supreme Court judges had been invited to the event, with assurances that there would be no “political speeches”. However, Isa requested to speak to clear up “misconceptions” when political statements were made in some speeches. The judge expressed surprise at objections to his presence at the convention and seating place. He emphasised that the Constitution’s golden jubilee was a celebration for all citizens and that the salvation of Pakistan lay in adhering to it.
Justice Isa, the senior most judge after the chief justice, has expressed his support for the Constitution at a time when the government and judiciary are at loggerheads. The schism between two groups of Supreme Court judges is no longer a secret. The presence of the senior puisne judge at the ceremony sparked controversy as critics said he shouldn’t have attended the ceremony. Despite this, members of the legal fraternity considered it a historical development. However, some believe he should have avoided attending the convention in view of the current polarization.
Despite the government’s reservations, the Chief Justice of Pakistan recently ordered elections in Punjab. Subsequently, the National Assembly passed a resolution against the Supreme Court verdict, while the government called for the top judge to step down. Although PTI lawyers and media persons criticised Justice Isa for sitting with lawmakers who got relief from his court in the past, the PTI did not issue an official response to his participation in the event.
