Breaking traditions: CJP Isa shuns VIP protocol, state vehicle

Newly-sworn in CJP chooses to be identified simply as 'Justice Qazi Faez Isa’ on plaque placed outside his chamber

In an unprecedented display of humility and a break from established traditions, the newly-sworn in Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Qazi Faez Isa, opted for a modest approach on Monday.

CJP Isa declined the customary privileges and honours that come with his high office, showcasing a departure from the norm, Express News reported.

Justice Isa eschewed the customary state vehicle and protocol that typically accompany the office. Instead, he arrived at the Supreme Court building today in his personal 1800cc car, breaking from the practices of his predecessors. Furthermore, he opted for standard security measures, consistent with those provided to other esteemed judges of the apex court, foregoing the VIP state protocol.

Also read: A glance at Isa’s journey

Outside his office chamber, CJP Isa chose to be identified simply as 'Justice Qazi Faez Isa,' without incorporating the title of Chief Justice, marking a unique departure from established tradition.

Upon his arrival at the Supreme Court building, Chief Justice Isa received a warm reception from a considerable gathering of Supreme Court staff, who greeted him and presented him with a bouquet.

چیف جسٹس قاضی فائز عیسیٰ کا پروٹوکول، گاڑی اور گارڈ آف آنر لینے سے انکار.
لوگ عدالت خوشی سے نہیں مسائل کے خاتمے کیلئے آتے ہیں، انصاف کے دروازے کھلے اور ہموار رکھیں، چیف جسٹس قاضی فائز عیسیٰ
آنے والوں سے مہمانوں جیسا سلوک رکھیں، چیف جسٹس پاکستان
سب کا بہت سا تعاون چاہیے، چیف جسٹس pic.twitter.com/03UyvJUDd1

— Dileep kumar khatri🦚 (@DileepKumarPak) September 18, 2023

During a brief address to the assembled staff, Justice Isa emphasised the role of the Supreme Court in resolving people's problems and called upon the clerical staff to treat those who seek justice with the same hospitality and care one would offer guests in their homes.

"People do not come to the Supreme Court happily, but they come here in an attempt to resolve their problems. Keep the doors of justice open and provide assistance to those who come seeking it," stated CJP Isa.

He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the staff and requested their cooperation in ensuring the fair dispensation of justice.

Also read: New CJ starts term with swift action

"Thank you. I require your full cooperation. I will discuss this with you in greater detail," Chief Justice Isa conveyed before proceeding to his chamber.

Immediately after taking oath on Sunday, Justice Isa moved swiftly to begin the judicial business in the new era, forming the full court on the high-profile Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act case, and bringing in the country’s first ever female registrar.

Following the swearing-in of Chief Justice Isa, the apex court issued roster for the full court. It said all the 15 judges of the apex court, led by the Chief justice himself, would hear the Practice and Procedure Act case today.

Chief Justice Isa also ordered important appointments in the Supreme Court, inducting Jazeela Aslam as the registrar, Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmed as the secretary to the chief justice and Abdul Sadiq as the staff officer of the chief justice.

At his oath taking ceremony, Justice Isa was flanked by his wife Sarina Isa as the notification for his appointment was read out. His term in office as the CJP will span 13 months, ending on October 25, 2024.