CJP retires on September 16

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial is set to retire from office on September 16, marking the conclusion of his 19-month tenure.

Justice Bandial assumed the role of the 28th chief justice of the Supreme Court on February 22, 2022, following the retirement of his predecessor, Gulzar Ahmed, on February 21.

The Supreme Court Bar Association will host a farewell dinner in honor of Chief Justice Bandial on September 13.

Constitutionally, a chief justice retires upon reaching the age of 65, known as the age of superannuation. Upon retirement, the senior-most judge assumes the position of chief justice.

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The president’s role is limited to issuing a notification of the appointment, with no involvement in the selection of the chief justice.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the chief justice-designate, is scheduled to take the oath of office on September 17, and he will serve until October 25, 2024. Following Justice Isa’s tenure, Justice Ijazul Ahsan will assume the role of chief justice, serving until August 4, 2025. Subsequently, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah will hold the position until November 26, 2027, followed by Justice Munib Akhtar until December 13, 2028.

The retirement of Justice Yahya Afridi in 2030 is expected to be a historic moment, as he is likely to be succeeded by Justice Ayesha Malik, who would become the first woman chief justice of Pakistan.