The chief justice of Pakistan's effort to appoint ad hoc judges to the Supreme Court has encountered significant hurdles, as three out of four nominated judges have declined the offer.
Sources reveal that now Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel has also refused the offer for an ad hoc judge. This decision follows similar refusals from Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Maqbool Baqar, who had previously turned down the opportunity to serve as ad hoc judges.
Justice Baqar turned down the offer on Thursday, a day after another fellow nominee for an ad hoc judge, Justice (retd) Mushir Alam refused the post.
Sources revealed that while Justice Baqar had initially supported the appointment, he refused on Thursday, citing personal and domestic reasons. The judge expressed gratitude for the nomination, but ultimately decided not to accept the prestigious position.
Earlier, Justice Miankhel and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood had expressed their willingness to take on the ad hoc judge positions, demonstrating their continued commitment to judicial service. Now, Justice (retd) Masood is the only judge to have taken up the offer.
Also Read: SC ad hoc judge: Justice Mushir Alam refuses offer
Justice (retd) Alam declined the offer on July 16, saying that in the current situation, he could not take on the role. He cited his commitment to serving the visually impaired through his foundation.
In a letter addressed to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, Justice Alam expressed his regret at not being able to accept the position, stating that his current responsibilities preclude him from taking on the role of an ad hoc judge. He emphasized his dedication to his foundation and the visually impaired community.
"After retirement, I established a foundation for the visually impaired. I want to serve them wholeheartedly," he wrote.
Justice Alam elaborated on his decision in a conversation with Samaa TV, stating, "In the current situation, I cannot serve as an ad hoc judge in the Supreme Court again and have written a letter of apology to the Judicial Commission."
The refusal of three prominent justices to accept ad hoc positions in the Supreme Court raises questions about the process and the underlying issues influencing their decisions.
Meanwhile, the all-important meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan to appoint ad hoc judges is underway, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa.
