Justice Ijazul Ahsan resigns: reports

ISLAMABAD: In a major development, Supreme Court judge Justice Ijazul Ahsan, who was the third most senior judge of the Supreme Court, tendered his resignation, several media channels reported on Thursday.

His resignation comes a day after fellow judge Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi tendered his resignation on alleged misconduct charges.

was the third senior most judge in the Supreme Court’s seniority, and he was supposed to become the next Chief Justice of the country in October this year after the retirement of the current Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, and he was due to retire in August 2025.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan has reportedly sent his resignation to the president for acceptance.

In his resignation letter sent to the president, Justice Ijazul Ahsan said: “I have had the honour and privilege of serving as a Judge of the Lahore High Court, the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. However, I no longer wish to continue as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Therefore, I, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, resign as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in terms of Article 206(1) of the Constitution with immediate effect.”

Earlier, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan had recused himself as a member of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) that was seized with the proceedings against former judge Mazahar Ali Naqvi.

Justice Ahsan had stated that the council’s proceedings were being carried out against Justice Naqvi in unnecessary haste and contrary to established norms.

In a letter that emerged on Tuesday, Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan had emphasized the need for the council to exercise its constitutional powers with utmost caution.

He had further said that any action against a judge should only be taken after thorough consideration, especially in cases where there is a disagreement among council members. “I strongly disagree with the manner in which the council is currently conducting its proceedings,” he had said.

“The allegations leveled against Justice Mazahar Naqvi are baseless and meritless,” he had added.

Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan did not participate in the meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council on Thursday after which Justice Mansoor was included in the council.

The Supreme Judicial Council has decided to continue the proceedings against the resigned jjudge Mazhar Naqvi.