The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a clarification on media reports concerning an “off-the-record conversation” between Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and journalists earlier this week, stressing inaccurate reporting had triggered “unwarranted sensationalism.”
In a press release issued by CJP’s Secretary Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmad, the top court emphasized that “giving unnecessary attention and importance to individuals detracts from what was important—institutions—and it be ensured that they serve the people.” It explained that upon the conclusion of a ceremony marking the commencement of the judicial year, some journalists had surrounded the CJP and asked questions, which the CJP had made clear were off the record.
It explained that one of the journalists asked the CJP about a potential extension to his tenure, to which he had explained that Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had approached him in his chambers several months back and apprised him of the government’s intent to make the position of CJP a fixed tenure post of three years. The CJP, per the statement, informed the journalists that he had told the law minister he would reject any extension that was individual specific. Senior puisne judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan were also present during the meeting with the law minister, it added.
According to the statement, the law minister also voiced concerns with the diminishing role of the parliamentary committee and a proposal to expand its role by incorporating it and the Judicial Commission of Pakistan into one body. To this, it said, the CJP had said it was Parliament’s prerogative but he hoped opposition parties’ input would also be taken.
“The law minister has since not met the chief justice privately nor has had any discussion with him regarding any such matter,” it further clarified.
The statement also clarified a follow-up question related to PMLN leader Rana Sanaullah commenting on the matter, adding the CJP had explained he had never met the individual and was unaware of these comments.
The press release further referred to questions asked of the CJP regarding a proposal to increase the number of judges, with the top judge responding that it would be best if vacant positions were filled first.