Bandial is set to retire
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial is set to retire from office on September 16. The Supreme Court Bar Association has scheduled a farewell dinner in honor of the CJP on Sept 13.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the chief justice-designate, will take the oath of office on September 17.
Justice Bandial assumed office on February 22, 2022, following the retirement of his predecessor Gulzar Ahmed on February 21. Bandial took oath as the 28th chief justice of the apex court.
A chief justice retires upon reaching the age of 65, also known as the age of superannuation. Following retirement, the senior-most judge assumes the role of chief justice.
Notably, the president’s role in the appointment of the chief justice is limited to issuing a notification of the appointment.
Justice Bandial served in the office for 19 months. His successor, Justice Isa, will hold the office until October 25, 2024.
After Justice Isa, Justice Ijazul Ahsan will succeed as the chief justice and serve until August 4, 2025. Subsequently, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah will become the top judge of the country until November 26, 2027.
Justice Munib Akhtar will follow as the chief justice, serving until December 13, 2028. After him, Justice Yahya Afridi is expected to become the country’s top jurist until January 22, 2030.
The retirement of Justice Afridi in 2030 will be a historic moment. He is likely to be succeeded by Justice Ayesha Malik, who would be the first woman chief justice of Pakistan.
