The next judge in line to become Chief Justice of Pakistan after Justice Qazi Faez Isa is Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan. He is the second most senior judge in the Supreme Court.
Who is Qazi Faez Isa?
Qazi Faez Isa is the current Chief Justice of Pakistan, serving since September 17, 2023. He became a Supreme Court justice in 2014 and was previously the Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court from 2009 to 2014.
The future five Chief Justices of Pakistan
Justice Umar Atta Bandial has been replaced by the new Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Faiz Isa, who retired on September 16, 2023, for a 13-month term. Justice Isa is the 29th Chief Justice of Pakistan, sworn in by President Arif Alvi on September 17.
After Chief Justice Isa’s term ends on October 18, 2024, five other Supreme Court justices will take their turn as Chief Justice of Pakistan based on their seniority are: Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, and Justice Ayesha Malik.
Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan
Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan is a Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan since 28 June 2016. He was born on 5 August 1960 in Murree, Pakistan. He received his early education at Lahore, and graduated from Forman Christian College in 1979 with a scholarship of merit. He then joined the Punjab University Law College, Lahore, where he won various awards including a gold medal for his academic achievements.
Justice Ahsan was elevated to the Lahore High Court as a judge in 2009 after the Lawyers’ Movement. He served as Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court from 6 November 2015 to 28 June 2016.
Justice Ahsan has a reputation for being a fair and independent judge. He has been involved in a number of high-profile cases, including the Panama Papers case, which led to the disqualification of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from office.
Justice Ahsan is also known for his strong views on the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. He has spoken out against government interference in the judiciary, and has called for the strengthening of the rule of law in Pakistan.
Justice Ahsan is a highly respected member of the Pakistani judiciary. He is known for his intelligence, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law.
Syed Mansoor Ali Shah
Syed Mansoor Ali Shah is a Pakistani judge currently on the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He previously held the position of the 45th Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court. Shah was born in Peshawar and received his education at Aitchison College, the University of the Punjab, and Downing College, Cambridge.
Justice Munib Akhtar
Munib Akhtar is a Pakistani jurist who has been serving as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Pakistan since May 8, 2018. He is the son-in-law of the former Pakistani law minister Khalid Anwer and the grandson of former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chaudhry Mohammad Ali.
Justice Yahya Afridi
Yahya Afridi has held the position of a Justice on the Supreme Court of Pakistan since June 28, 2018. He received his education in Lahore, attending Aitchison College, and he holds a Master of Laws degree from Jesus College, Cambridge.
Justice Ayesha Malik
Ayesha A. Malik is a Pakistani judge and a trailblazer as the first female Supreme Court judge in Pakistan’s history. On January 6, 2022, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan approved her appointment to the Supreme Court, and she officially assumed office on January 24, 2022.
The appointment of Chief Justice in the Supreme Court is determined by seniority and age, judges retire at the age of 65. The seniority is determined by the date of appointment to the Supreme Court.
According to the Constitution, after the retirement of the present Chief Justice, the highest seniority judge below 65 years of age is appointed as Chief Justice and he retires on reaching the age of 65 years.
