Rana Sanaullah: Chief Justice Isa Would Reject Any Extension

Rana Sanaullah, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs and a senior member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), recently made a definitive statement regarding the potential extension of the tenure of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faiz Isa. Speaking on the Samaa TV program “Redline with Talat,” Sanaullah emphasized that Chief Justice Isa would categorically refuse any extension if it were offered.

During the interview, Rana Sanaullah expressed his reluctance to comment on individual judges. However, he highlighted the urgent need for reforms within Pakistan’s judicial system. According to him, inefficiencies and obstructions have been created by certain individuals and the administrative framework of the judiciary, leading to delays and disruptions in the system’s functioning.

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Sanaullah clarified that the government had not initiated any legislation aimed at increasing the number of judges. Instead, he suggested that the desire for an increase in judicial positions originated from within the judiciary itself. Some judges, he hinted, might be interested in extending their tenures through this mechanism.

On the topic of judicial retirement, Rana Sanaullah pointed out a significant inconsistency between the retirement ages of judges in different courts. “High Court judges retire at 62, while Supreme Court judges retire at 65,” he noted. This discrepancy, he said, creates a situation where many judges aspire to extend their careers by securing appointments in the Supreme Court, regardless of their standing in the seniority hierarchy.

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Discussing the ongoing debate about potentially extending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, the PML-N leader acknowledged that while maintaining the current retirement age of 65 might not be contentious, any proposal to further increase it would require extensive deliberation. He also noted the practical difficulties of amending the constitution to make such a change, especially given the current lack of broad support in Parliament.

Addressing the rumors about Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa possibly receiving an extension, Sanaullah was unequivocal: “Even if an extension were offered, Chief Justice Isa would not accept it.” He referenced the controversy that arose a few months ago when the notification for Chief Justice Isa’s appointment was issued, which had sparked considerable public and political debate. However, he reassured that the announcement of a new Chief Justice would be made in due course.

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On a separate issue, Sanaullah commented on the recent postponement of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally. He revealed that the decision to delay the rally was made by local authorities in Islamabad due to concerns about the potential for unrest. The Islamabad administration, in communication with PTI leadership, particularly with Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressed fears that the situation could spiral out of control if the rally proceeded as planned. Following these discussions, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) was issued, permitting the rally to be held on September 8 instead.

Rana Sanaullah’s statements reflect ongoing tensions within Pakistan’s political and judicial landscape, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of any changes within the judiciary, as well as the importance of maintaining order in the face of potential political unrest.

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