Law Minister denies rumours of CJP Isa's extension

Islamabad: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday dismissed rumors about an extension for Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, stating that the top judge has no interest in extending his tenure.

CJP Isa is set to retire in October this year, but as his retirement approaches, speculation about a possible extension through parliamentary legislation has been growing. However, the federal government has consistently denied these claims, emphasizing that CJP Isa himself is not seeking an extension.

Legal experts point out that there is no constitutional provision for extending the tenure of a chief justice without amending the Constitution, which would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament—a challenging feat given recent Supreme Court rulings favoring the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Addressing an event in Islamabad, Tarar said, "The idea of a two-thirds majority should only be considered if an extension is actually on the table." He added that CJP Isa had clearly informed both him and the attorney general that he does not want an extension.

The minister also urged the media to shift focus away from the extension rumors, calling it inappropriate to repeatedly suggest that CJP Isa is seeking to extend his tenure.

As previously stated by Tarar, the appointment of the next chief justice will adhere to the principle of seniority, with Senior Puisne Judge Mansoor Ali Shah expected to be the next top judge.

Speculation about CJP Isa’s extension gained traction last month after the PTI called for an early issuance of the notification for the next chief justice. Speaking to the media, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan reiterated the party’s opposition to any amendment bill related to the judiciary and confirmed that all PTI parliamentarians have been instructed not to support such amendments.

Gohar emphasized that no PTI MNA or senator would vote in favor of the proposed changes, citing Article 63 of the Constitution, which prevents lawmakers from defying party lines in constitutional votes—a rule that limits the government’s ability to secure votes through defections.

Regarding the ongoing discussions between the opposition and the government, Gohar stated that dialogue is necessary and clarified that PTI has designated Mahmood Achakzai, chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), to lead the talks with political parties.

Gohar added that PTI would consider any proposals presented by Achakzai during the discussions.