Former SC judge Rana Bhagwandas passes away in Karachi

The 73-year-old judge died after suffering a cardiac arrest

KARACHI: Former Supreme Court judge Justice (retired) Rana Bhagwandas died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Karachi on Monday morning , Radio Pakistan reported.

Rana Bhagwandas was born on December 20, 1942 in a Hindu Sindhi Rajput family in Naseerabad, Larkana District (now Qambar Shahdadkot District) in Sindh. He studied law and received a Masters degree in Islamic Studies.

Bhagwandas also worked as the Chairman of Federal Public Service Commission of Pakistan. He headed the interview panel for the selection of the Federal Civil Servants 2009.

The 73-year-old also remained acting chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

In a cabinet meeting that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was presiding over, he appreciated the services of Rana Bhagwandas for rule of law in the country. PM Nawaz said that the former justice was a man of principles who had firm faith in democracy and the rule of law.

The meeting also observed a one minute silence to condole the death.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound grief over the death and paid a tribute to the late judge. In a condolence message he said "A jurist of impeccable integrity Baghwandas was a noble soul and an inspiring humanist who radiated hope. Leading by personal example he silently illumined the path and served as a role model for many. At a time when excellence seems receding people like Bhagwandas will be sorely missed."

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain also expressed sorrow over the demise of the judge. In a statement the MQM chief praised Bhagwandas' contribution to the judicial system.

Many, including Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto, also condoled the death by taking to Twitter and expressed their sympathies.

 

Chairman #PPP @BBhuttoZardari has expressed deep grief & sorrow over the sad demise of Rana Bhagwandas, former Chief Justice of Pakistan.

— Pakistan Peoples Party - PPP (@PPP_Org) February 23, 2015

Chairman @ImranKhanPTI expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Justice Rana Bhagwandas & conveyed sincere condolences to his family.

— PTI Punjab (@PTIPunjabPK) February 23, 2015

Justice Rana Bhagwandas was a credible & upright Judge. Wish we had more like him. His passing away is a big loss for Pakistan. RIP Sir.

— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) February 23, 2015

Just heard that Justice Rana Bhagwandas passed away. A great honest Pakistani. Condolences to his family, friends and community.

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) February 23, 2015

Sorry to hear about rana bhagwandas passing away. A lot of respect for him.

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) February 23, 2015

Very sad news. Fmr Supreme Court Judge Rana Bhagwandas passes away in #Karachi. An upholder of justice. #Pakistan http://t.co/G4przFfOvg

— Farahnaz Ispahani فرحناز (@fispahani) February 23, 2015