In a statement released a day after his presence in a convention held at Parliament House to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution of Pakistan, senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court Justice Qazi Faez Isa has said that he was told there will be no political speeches on the occasion.
Justice Isa’s presence in the National Assembly was criticised by many members of the legal fraternity, as well as politicians as he is slated to become the next chief justice of Pakistan in September.
In a notification issued today, the senior judge said: “The Golden Jubilee of the Constitution is a celebration of all citizens; it is not the exclusive domain of any particular party or institution.”
“The significance of the Constitution must be impressed upon all, and this should be done continuously,” he added.
The top court judge was also criticized for being seated in the front row along with the politicians belonging to the ruling coalition.
Addressing this criticism, he said that he did not choose to sit there but he was shown respect as a senior member of the judiciary and offered a seat at the centre.
Justice Isa reiterated that he was assured no political speeches would be made during the convention, so he attended the session to “show solidarity with the Constitution”. He added that prior to the session, he had declined to make a speech but when political speeches were made, he had to clarify his stance.
“I requested to speak to correct any misconceptions that may arise, and I did so,” he said.
