Rana Sanaullah says Justice Mansoor Ali Shah compromised stature with letter

Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah has criticised Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s recent letter, asserting that the Supreme Court judge failed to uphold his stature by engaging in what he called “regrettable” language.

In a press conference at Model Town, Lahore, Sanaullah expressed his disappointment, suggesting that Justice Mansoor’s recent statements were unbecoming of his role, Express News reported.

Sanaullah commented that he wished the judge had refrained from penning the letter, stating, “Going for umrah would have sufficed instead.” He further voiced concern over the rising use of divisive language among judges, citing recent exchanges as uncharacteristic and “disappointing” coming from individuals in respected positions.

The minister also commented on the recent appointment of Justice Yahya Afridi, expressing confidence in the choice. He noted that Justice Afridi has maintained independence from the group dynamics within the judiciary, amidst growing friction among judges.

Sanaullah condemned the ongoing use of language between judiciary members, stating that terms like “disgraceful” and “shameful” have been circulating in exchanges that resemble “street brawls.”

Reflecting on past events, he stated that Pakistan’s economic troubles began with a judicial conspiracy in 2017 involving former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, who, he alleged, acted unlawfully to remove an elected prime minister.

He further asserted that Pakistan’s economy had been stabilised due to the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, adding that recent constitutional amendments have brought hope for closing the “backdoor channels” that had previously harmed the country.

Yesterday, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah stated in a letter to Supreme Court Registrar that he will not attend the farewell reference for the outgoing Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.

Justice Shah explains that it is universal custom to hold a farewell event to acknowledge the departing Chief Justice’s contributions. Traditions within institutions, he noted, rely on the merits of individuals, Express News reported.

In his letter, Justice Shah explained that he decided against attending ex-CJP Saqib Nisar's reference because 'he had exceeded the limits of his constitutional role.'

He had previously explained his decision to skip Justice Saqib Nisar's farewell reference in a letter dated January 17, 2019. He reiterated that he would also not be attending Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s reference.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah cited his reasons for not attending Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s farewell event, adding that he found these reasons particularly troubling and felt compelled to stay away from Justice Isa’s reference.

He explained that the Chief Justice’s role is to protect the rights of the people, uphold judicial independence, and ensure justice for all.

In his letter, Justice Shah expressed that Chief Justice Isa has, 'like an ostrich with its head in the sand, ignored external influences and pressures on the judiciary and has opened the doors to interference.'

According to him, 'Justice Isa failed to maintain checks and balances and did not show the courage to defend the judiciary, thereby giving ground to forces that seek to weaken it.'

Justice Shah further wrote that 'Chief Justice Isa failed to establish necessary respect for judicial harmony and tolerance, alleging that he engaged in complicity that interfered with the judiciary.'

He added that the 'Chief Justice showed no regard or respect for judicial decisions.'

He remarked in the letter that the 'Chief Justice disgracefully suggested that rulings need not be implemented. Justice Isa sowed divisions among his fellow judges, which would have long-lasting impacts on the judiciary.'