ISLAMABAD: Designated Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi honored the outgoing CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Friday with a heartfelt tribute.

In a full court reference acknowledging Justice Isa’s contributions, Justice Afridi expressed regret over his departure, emphasizing that Justice Isa’s absence will be keenly felt and that working alongside him had been a significant learning experience.

Justice Afridi also mentioned that the luncheon held in Justice Isa’s honor was personally funded, underlining the camaraderie among the judiciary. He acknowledged that while he and Justice Isa sometimes held differing opinions on various benches, Justice Isa always welcomed diverse viewpoints with openness.

In his remarks, Justice Afridi reiterated his commitment to upholding the principles of power devolution within the judiciary.

Notably, six Supreme Court judges, including Justices Mansoor Ali Shah, Munib Akhtar, Ayesha Malik, Shahid Waheed, Athar Minallah, and Malik Shehzad, did not attend the full court reference for Justice Isa.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa officially retires today (Friday), following more than a year in service. The oath-taking ceremony for incoming CJP Yahya Afridi is scheduled for tomorrow, with President Asif Ali Zardari set to administer the oath.

On Thursday evening, the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Pakistan Bar Council hosted a farewell dinner in honor of Justice Isa, attended by incoming CJP Yahya Afridi, Supreme Court judges, and high court Chief Justices.

Earlier this week, President Asif Ali Zardari formally approved Justice Afridi’s appointment as CJP following Justice Isa’s retirement on October 25.