Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Monday clarified that he has turned down any offer aimed at extending his tenure through possible reforms about the retirement age of judges.
It has been speculated since August that the government would extend the tenure of the CJP, who is set to retire on October 25 and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah will become chief justice.
Dawn reports revealed that significant amendments were being considered. However, it suggested that these changes might be introduced through a supplementary agenda in the assembly, potentially focusing on a standard increase in the retirement age for senior judges.
The opposition parties have been strongly against any such extension.
Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, threatened country-wide protests if any attempt is made to extend the term of the chief justice.
The CJP was replying to a question, during an informal chat with journalists in Islamabad, about reports that he was willing to take an extension if it was granted uniformly to all judges.
Dismissing the claims of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah, that CJP Isa would agree to an extension provided. the chief justice reiterated his stance against any extension of his tenure.
“If Rana Sanaullah wants to discuss this, he can meet me in person,” CJP Isa remarked.
On the other hand, a report in The Express Tribune stated that a week before, Sanaullah had said that CJP Isa had met Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan.
He was quoted as having stated that while the chief justice has hinted at his acceptance of general extension in retirement age, he would decline it in his own case.
Sanaullah also mentioned the fact that the coalition government did not have the necessary parliamentary strength for the passage of an amendment or granting an extension.
Replying to those comments, the CJP Isa confirmed that a meeting had been held and that the law minister, AGP Awan, and Justice Mansoor were present, but he quickly added that Sanaullah was never present at the meeting venue to attend the meeting.
“They spoke of extending the tenure of service of the chief justice. I told them that they can do it for others but I would never accept it,” CJP Isa said.
He went on to say, “I cannot even say if I will be alive tomorrow.”