CJP Umar Ata Bandial set to retire on September 16

Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial is all set to retire from office on September 16.

A farewell dinner honoring the CJP will be held on September 13 at the Supreme Court Bar Association.

The chief justice-designated, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, will take oath of office on September 17.

Following the retirement of his predecessor Gulzar Ahmed on February 21, 2022, Justice Bandial was sworn in as the 28th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on February 22.

A chief judge must officially retire after turning 65, often known as the age of retirement. The judge with the most experience becomes chief justice after retiring.         

The president only issues the notification of the appointment and has otherwise no role in the appointment of the chief justice.

The tenure of Justice Bandial at the position was 19 months. Justice Isa, who succeeded him, will hold the position till October 25, 2024.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan will take over as chief justice and serve in that capacity till August 4, 2025, succeeding Justice Isa. Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, who will succeed him as the country's chief justice until November 26, 2027, will take his place.

Justice Munib Akhtar will take over as his replacement and serve until December 13, 2028. Justice Yahya Afridi will succeed him as the country's top judge until January 22, 2030.

The retirement of Justice Afridi in 2030 will be a historic moment. He is likely to be replaced by Justice Ayesha Malik, who will be the first woman chief justice of Pakistan.