On Sunday, the newly-appointed Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Qazi Faez Isa, took the oath of office with his wife, Sarina Isa, standing beside him. This gesture marked a symbolic moment in Pakistan’s judicial history.
During the oath-taking ceremony, Justice Isa’s wife stood next to him as he pledged to uphold the rule of law, abide by Pakistan’s Constitution, and ensure justice during his tenure as the country’s top judge until October 25, 2024.
President Dr. Arif Alvi administered the oath to the new CJP in both Urdu and English, a first in the country’s judicial history. Mrs. Sarina Isa joined Justice Isa on stage before the swearing-in and remained by his side throughout.
The oath ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, judges of the Supreme Court, federal ministers, and others.
It’s important to note that Justice Isa was the subject of a presidential reference, which the Supreme Court rejected on June 19, 2020. The Federal Board of Revenue had obtained the judge’s and his family’s tax records in a “unlawful” manner, according to a thorough ruling from the Supreme Court that was released in January 2022.
The Supreme Court declared that a full court hearing on petitions contesting the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure Act) would take place on Monday, presided over by CJP Qazi Faez Isa, after Justice Isa had been sworn in. This move is aimed at addressing concerns about the constitutionality of the law that limits the suo moto powers of the top judge of the apex court. The proceedings will be broadcast live, and preparations are underway for this purpose.
PPP leader Sherry Rehman said CJP Isa’s action “sends out an important message” and emphasizes the value of equality and engagement with women.
It was described as a “commendable tradition” by Ahsan Iqbal, the leader of the PML-N. “Her [Sarina’s] daring and bravery in confronting the plot aimed at preventing the chief justice from taking [the oath of] office today are warmly commended. Allah honors whoever He pleases, Iqbal said in a post on X.
