Rumour has it: Former CJ eyes legal consultancy firm
Almost six months after leaving office, former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has decided to establish a ‘legal consultancy firm’ in the federal capital.
Sources familiar with the development said that the former chief justice vacated his official residence nestled in the heart of the judges’ colony and subsequently moved into a house in F-10/4, where he plans to establish a consultancy office.
Interestingly, a close associate of the former top judge revealed that the new house was rented for a monthly sum of Rs300,000. However, sources disclosed that the property is owned by a Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) leader hailing from Balochistan – Chaudhry’s hometown.
Iftikhar Chaudhry’s move is drawing a mixed reaction from members of the legal fraternity. Some lawyers claim that former Supreme Court judges are barred from appearing before the courts but there is no restriction on them establishing a consultancy firm.
Senior lawyer Tariq Mahmood said that there is a constitutional bar on the top court’s retired judges appearing before both the Supreme Court and the high courts.
On the other hand, Chaudhry’s critics expressed apprehension over the establishment of the firm as more than 100 judges were appointed during his term in office, which could create a conflict of interest in cases represented by former CJ’s legal firm.
A senior member of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) confirmed that the former CJ’s practicing licence was revised by the apex body of the lawyers a few months ago.
Similarly, former PBC chairman Akhtar Hussain said that superior judges receive more than Rs 0.5 million in pension and post-retirement benefits every month hence they should avoid such endeavours.
Weighing in on the development, Sheikh Ahsan, a senior lawyer, rejected rumours about the upcoming law firm.
Ahsan, who met the former CJ two days ago, said that Chaudhry is still indecisive about his future plans.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 1st, 2014.
COMMENTS (31)
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300,000 per month for the new residence and owned by PML-N leader. Whats his income after retirement?
So, all in all, the infamous lawyers movement was quite a waste of time then?
say welcome to judicial corruption. this is unbelievable that he is allowed to do this.
For whatever wrongs he did during his long tenure as CJ, if only he had the moral and ethical decency to convict his con and put him behind bars, people of Pakistan would have loved him and may even have been happy to see him as a President. However with his son plundering Balochistan, for now, the father has decided to do the same in the capital city itself!
What about the bullet proof car awarded by government of N league, has he returned the vehicle or it is his life time achievement?
He should be tried in court for all his crimes.He needs to be in Prision for rest of his life.
When has he ever had any respect for law, he always flaunted it or used it for personal agenda/vendetta. So what else can go wrong?
Has Chaudhary ever explained his decision to take the oath of office as a PCO judge under Musharraf? Has anybody ever had the courage to ask him to explain his decision to validate Musharraf's illegal actions?
Pakistanis are the most amazingly shortsighted people. Just because Chaudhary had a falling out with his patron Musharraf, and decided to launch street protests against the dictator, Pakistanis instantly forgot this man's sorry record and began worshipping him as a champion of democracy.
I am starting to think the years of brainwashing since 1947 has today produced a nation of children. Certainly, the nation's attention span is that of a four year old.
To be honest, he is one of the brilliant man of law, who was subjected to violence by the despot military and he did not buckel or waver and intervened whenever necessary to uphold the law, which was trampled by the military more than once. Pakistan must be proud of this person and its independent judiciary and should demonstrate their respect for the Law, for without law and justice there is no bonafide State as such.
Rex Minor
@GS@Y: How about running for office? While he was top dog of the judiciary he spent all his time trying to play chief executive of the govt rather than fix a broken judicial system --- time for him to step up to the plate?
He has to do something with his life, right? What do you guys want him to do? Give up on his decades of legal training and sit idly at home like the rest of everyone's retired dads? I don't think he should be practicing any more or running firms. He has had too great an impact on the course of our politics and judiciary. I think he should write books- thoughtful, detailed, and complete- for us all to read and really see his world from his point of view to be able to better judge it.
I wonder what did we get by removing Musharaf for ex CJ Iftikhar...... Pakistan is prospering, right? We just love to jump onto the rhetorical bandwagon of "democracy" when we know it is nothing but a farce. Enjoy your democracy :)
On many a occasions PCO CJ sounded like reincarnation of Gen Zia with divine rights to challenge and change everything in Pakistan. Just like Gen Zia (another salaried person) his sons is a billionaire. Why stop at the son, father wants his own payback for his interference in the past govt and brining NS to power.
125 judges were appointed by him, so all will return the benefit :)
@Abdullah: I guess he is the only living expert on Suo moto in the world!! He could offer his council to high court judges in the world.
Rex Minor
So everybody in this great game of rigging is taken care of very well. What is the message for voters in next election?
Support IK on his cause.
So much fame and respect he once had. He has lost it for something far less valuable. If I were weighted in gold like him (once), I would have been very careful in revealing intentions that might would damage my repute.
.......but then who said the judiciary has anything to do with the law ? ........ that's only for public consumption.
This is not the total news; he has already been approached by Parvez Musharaf advice and council, is the complete news.
Rex Minor
Unbelievable, this is guy is the ultimate wolf in sheep's skin. A true reflection of Pakistani corrupt people, with no character or morality at all.
How people show their true colours is amazing. Don Arsalan who should have been in jail for bribery and taking verdicts from his papa in favour of his clients is appointed in RaqoDaq which this shamless man himself shot down in PPP. I feel ashamed of supporting this thug!
What is wrong with this? I think it is a good love by him. Wish him best of luck.
Kiyani had his brothers as his front men. Chaudhry Iftikhar had his son as his front man until now. Time to take matters into own hands.
Chaudhry and son are plundering the country with both hands.
And the greed dosnt end!!!!
Surely this "consultancy" firm will become a front office for highest class of judicial corruption in Pakistan.
The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines with cross eyes "Shame on You"