President Alvi Approves Justice Ijazul Ahsan’s Resignation from Supreme Court
President Dr. Arif Alvi has officially accepted the resignation of Justice Ijazul Ahsan from the Supreme Court. This unexpected move came a day after Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi’s resignation. The President House confirmed the approval in a press release, citing Justice Ahsan’s resignation under Articles 179 and 206(a) of the Constitution. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar recommended the acceptance of the resignation.
In a brief one-page letter submitted to the president, Justice Ahsan expressed gratitude for his time on the apex court, considering it an “honour and privilege.” However, he did not specify the reason for stepping down from the position of a judge on the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Initially designated to be the next Chief Justice of Pakistan after CJP Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Ahsan’s sudden resignation accelerates the timeline for the next senior judge, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, to assume the role of Chief Justice on October 25, 2024. This is earlier than the previously expected date of August 3, 2025.
Justice Shah now also takes over Justice Ahsan’s responsibilities on the Supreme Judicial Council and the three-member special committee responsible for bench formation. With these changes, the Supreme Court’s composition is reduced to 14 judges, compared to the sanctioned strength of 17.
This development follows President Alvi’s acceptance of Justice Naqvi’s resignation the day before, who faced allegations of misconduct.