Grateful to Allah that I serve my country: CJP Bandial

Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial Friday said in his statement on last day in the bench before his retirement that he is grateful to Allah for taking his service for the country and justice.

According to details, CJP Umar Atta Bandial is retiring from his post tomorrow (Saturday) and will be replaced by the senior-most judge of Supreme Court, Justice Qazi Faiz Esa who will take oath as the Chief Justice of Pakistan on September 17.

On the last day in the bench of Supreme Court, Chief Justice Umar Atta thanked the lawyers and journalists and said: “Good to see you all my friends”.

Lawyer Mian Bilal stated when it was your first case in High Court, I appeared before you. Today it is your last case in the Supreme Court, again I am appearing.

Speaking to the lawyer, Chief Justice replied: “Your case has become ineffective, but if you give arguments, it is a good idea to keep the heart happy”.

Lawyer Mian Bilal added you always listened to us patiently, to which Justice Bandial said it is our duty to listen patiently to everyone. We always get to learn and support from the bar.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan continued to say that by wearing a black coat, we consider ourselves a part of the bar. “Justice Sahir Ali used to say that bar is our mother, God willing, we will meet in the bar room,” he added.

Justice Umar Atta said: “Thanks to my colleagues in the media who kept me diligent. I welcome the criticism of media. They must criticize the decisions but not the judges as they cannot defend themselves in response to criticism”.

Before criticizing a judge, check whether it is based on truth or speculation, criticism of judges should not be based on lies, added Umar.

The Chief Justice said that he is grateful to Allah who took his service to serve the country and justice, he did the duty for Allah.