ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday held a full court reference to bid farewell to outgoing Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, which was attended by his colleagues and prominent lawyers who recounted salient features of his tenure.
Isa, who retires today, took over as the country’s top judge on Sep. 17, 2023. He was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court on Sep. 5, 2014, prior to which he held the position of the Balochistan High Court chief justice from Aug. 5, 2009 till Sep. 4, 2014.
The full court reference was live-streamed on the Supreme Court website and YouTube channel. Fourteen Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice-designate Yahya Afridi, were in attendance at the reference.
Addressing the reference, Isa reflected on his career and said taking up the responsibility of a judge had been a “life-changing experience” for him.
“I took the job at a time when there was no judge in Balochistan,” he said, crediting his wife, Sarina Isa, for supporting him in doing “a lot of work” for the people of the impoverished Pakistani province.
“Me and my wife, who was on the forefront, did a lot of work for the people of Balochistan.”
Justice Afridi showered his praises on Chief Justice Isa, describing him as “one of the best human beings” from whom he had got to learn a great deal.
“If you meet, greet and treat Justice Faez Isa with a smile and humility, he will reciprocate with such gentle softness, likeness and care that it will leave you astonished,” Justice Afridi remarked.
“But mind you, if you in any way provoke him, or if I may say so poke the bear, then even hell hath no fury to match his scorn and only God may help and save you.”
He said the outgoing chief justice would be missed in the Supreme Court: “We have a rush of feelings while saying goodbye to the chief justice.”
Senior puisne judge, Mansoor Ali Shah, recused himself from the reference. Among other judges who did not attend the full court reference were Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan.
On the occasion, Attorney-General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan, Pakistan Bar Council Vice-Chairman Farooq H. Naek, and Supreme Court Bar Association President Shahzad Shaukat also addressed the full court, praising Justice Isa for his work.
Pakistan Supreme Court holds reference to bid farewell to Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa
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Pakistan Supreme Court holds reference to bid farewell to Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa
- Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa is set to retire today after serving as the top judge for more than a year
- Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar among other judges did not attend the event
Pakistan forecasts inflation to remain in moderate 5.5-6.5 percent range
- Finance Division report says robust remittance inflows, steady performance of IT, service sectors to cushion external pressures
- Consumer inflation in Pakistan has significantly reduced over the years when it surged to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023
ISLAMABAD: Inflation is expected to remain in the moderate range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent for December, the Finance Division said in its Monthly Economic Outlook report on Wednesday.
Pakistan reported inflation at 6.1 percent on a year-on-year basis in November as compared to 6.2 percent in October. Pakistan’s inflation rate rose to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023 on account of surging food and fuel costs as Islamabad scrapped subsidies as part of a financial deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Inflation is projected to remain moderate, in the range of 5.5-6.5 percent in December, primarily reflecting base effect,” the report said.
The Finance Division’s report said Pakistan’s economic outlook remains “positive,” driven by sustained growth in industrial activity due to continued momentum in textiles, automobiles, cement and food processing sectors.
“Robust remittance inflows and steady performance in IT and services exports are likely to cushion external pressures,” the report said.
The report said Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus of $100 million while it posted a deficit of $812 million during the July-November period.
It said remittances increased by 9.3 percent to $16.1 billion in November, led by inflows from Saudi Arabia (24.2 percent) and the UAE (20.8 percent), while the net foreign direct investment inflows were recorded at $927.4 million during the same July to November period.
It said Pakistan’s fiscal consolidation is expected to continue supporting macroeconomic stability, with government efforts in expenditure management, enhanced tax collection and structural reforms contributing to sustainable growth.
“Overall, Pakistan’s economy is projected to maintain its positive momentum in the coming months, driven by industrial growth, improved governance, digitalization, and prudent macroeconomic management,” the report said.
