Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, the senior-most judge on the Supreme Court, has submitted his resignation, a day after Justice Mazahar Ali Naqvi’s resignation. This succession of resignations brings notable changes to the leadership structure of the Supreme Court.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan sent his written resignation to President Dr. Arif Alvi, with the content of the resignation letter yet to be disclosed. This resignation comes on the heels of Justice Naqvi’s resignation and his non-participation in the Supreme Judicial Council proceedings concerning Justice Naqvi.
Justice Ijazul Hassan, as the third-most senior judge on the Supreme Court, was considered a leading candidate for the role of Chief Justice, expected to assume the position in October 2024. With his resignation, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is poised to become the most senior judge on the Supreme Court.
Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, the second-most senior judge, is set to retire on March 10, 2024, and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is expected to ascend to the position of the most senior judge. Following Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s anticipated retirement on October 25, 2024, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is likely to become the Chief Justice.