SC's constitutional bench dismisses review plea against Qazi Faez Isa

The Supreme Court's constitutional bench on Thursday dismissed a review petition challenging the appointment of Qazi Faez Isa as the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court.

Sc's six-member bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, heard the petition filed by Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahi, Express News reported.

In his arguments, Rahi requested five minutes to present his case, to which the court remarked that the review petition had lost its relevance.

Justice Musarrat Hilali commented, "It's time to leave Qazi Faez Isa alone; this podium is not meant for political speeches."

Justice Mandokhail added, "This is a review, and the case cannot be reopened."

In response, Rahi mentioned the Bhutto case, saying the court took 40 years to decide it. Justice Hilali replied, "The Bhutto reference was a different case with different facts."

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked, "Counsel, you’re not listening. Why are you getting angry?"

Riaz Hanif Rahi responded, "The court should first review the grounds for the appeal; the Chief Minister was not consulted when Qazi Faez Isa was appointed as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court."

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail replied, "In a review petition, you must first point out the error in the decision and show us where the law states that consultation with the Chief Minister is mandatory."

Presiding over the bench, Justice Aminuddin Khan added, "The consultation process can be informal as well. Counsel, this approach isn't correct; what is the legal question after reading paragraph 8?"

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail further commented, "In my opinion, this baseless petition should be referred to the Pakistan Bar Council to address Advocate Riaz Hanif Rahid."