On Thursday, Justice Ijazul Ahsan of the Supreme Court tendered his resignation, citing undisclosed reasons. As the third most senior judge in the apex court, he submitted his resignation to President Arif Alvi, while his elevation to the position of Chief Justice was anticipated in October of the current year.
This development occurred in the wake of the resignation of Justice (retd) Naqvi, who stepped down from his role as a Supreme Court judge on January 10. Justice Naqvi’s resignation coincided with an ongoing Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) reference investigating allegations of misconduct, particularly focusing on the alleged accumulation of wealth beyond his known resources.
Read more : Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi Resigns Amid Allegations Of Misconduct
In a letter addressed to President Arif Alvi, Justice Naqvi articulated that continuing his service was no longer tenable in light of the public knowledge and, to some extent, the public record concerning the circumstances surrounding his tenures at both the Supreme Court and the Lahore High Court (LHC). The letter underscored considerations of due process as compelling factors influencing his decision.
Today, on January 11, President Alvi accepted the resignation of Justice Mazahar Naqvi, acknowledging the culmination of his judicial service.
The consecutive resignations within a short timeframe from two esteemed justices, Justice Naqvi and Justice Ahsan, have stirred considerable attention within the legal and judicial circles. The reasons behind Justice Ahsan’s resignation remain undisclosed, adding an air of speculation and curiosity to the unfolding events.
As the Supreme Court undergoes these changes, particularly in its senior ranks, the legal community and the public at large keenly observe the developments. The resignations of senior justices highlight the challenges and scrutiny that the judiciary faces, emphasizing the significance of transparency and accountability within the judicial system.
The circumstances surrounding these resignations, along with the ongoing investigations, underscore the need for maintaining the integrity of the judiciary and upholding the principles of justice and accountability. The events in the coming months, including the appointment of new justices and the unfolding of investigations, will shape the trajectory of the judiciary and its standing in the eyes of the public.
