As Justice Qazi Faez Isa assumed the role of the 29th Chief Justice of Pakistan, let’s delve into the remarkable journey that has shaped his life and career.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa, hailing from Quetta and born on October 26, 1959, emerges as the scion of late Qazi Mohammad Isa, a stalwart of the Pakistan Movement and a confidant of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Isa’s lineage bears historical significance, as his father, Qazi Mohammad Isa, was the first individual from the region to attain a Bar-at-Law degree, marking his pivotal role in establishing the All India Muslim League in Balochistan post his return from London. Notably, he served as the sole representative on the Central Working Committee of the All India Muslim League from Balochistan.
Adding to the family’s legacy, Begum Saida Isa, Justice Isa’s mother, dedicated herself to social work, holding honorary positions on the boards of hospitals and charitable organizations that prioritized education, children’s welfare, and women’s health issues.
Justice Isa’s educational journey commenced in Quetta, culminating in Karachi, where he completed his ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels at the prestigious Karachi Grammar School (KGS). Subsequently, he pursued a legal education in London, successfully obtaining his Bar Professional Examination from the Inns of Court School of Law, London.
His legal career commenced with his enrolment as an Advocate of the Balochistan High Court on January 30, 1985, followed by his elevation to the status of an Advocate Supreme Court in March 1998. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over 27 years, he passionately practiced law before the High Courts of Pakistan, the Federal Shariat Court, and the Supreme Court of Pakistan. His professional affiliations included membership in the Balochistan High Court Bar Association, Sindh High Court Bar Association, and Life Membership of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan.
Furthermore, Justice Isa’s expertise extended beyond national boundaries, as he was frequently called upon by the High Courts and the Supreme Court to serve as amicus curiae, providing invaluable assistance in navigating complex legal cases. Additionally, he lent his legal acumen to international arbitration proceedings.
The zenith of Justice Isa’s career was marked by his swearing-in as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan on September 5, 2014, solidifying his legacy as a distinguished jurist in the country’s legal landscape.
Justice Qazi Faez Isa, renowned for his meticulous consideration of each word in his rulings, has been a pivotal figure in shaping Pakistan’s legal arena. Below, you’ll find a compilation of his most noteworthy judgments.
The Memogate Commission 2012
Quetta Massacre Inquiry Commission 2016
Invocation of Article 184(3) 2018
Faizabad Sit in Judgement 2019
Notably, before becoming a judge, Justice Isa frequently authored articles on topics such as the Constitution, Law, Islam, and the Environment, which were regularly featured in prominent newspapers. Additionally, he co-authored the pioneering book ‘Mass Media Laws and Regulations in Pakistan’ and penned the booklet ‘Balochistan: Case and Demand’ in 2007.
During his tenure as a law professor at Islamia Law College in Karachi until 1994, he imparted knowledge on the ‘Constitution of Pakistan and the Constitutional History of the subcontinent.’
Justice Isa also held honorary roles as a Director on the Board of Directors of a prominent Pakistani bank, a member of the Policy Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and as a member of the Quaid Mazar Management Board.
Currently residing in Islamabad with his wife of 36 years, Justice Isa is a proud parent to a son and a daughter, and he enjoys the company of three grandchildren.
