ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and senior puisne judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa participated in a spring tree plantation drive at the Supreme Court on Friday. During the event, Justice Isa dismissed the notion that he intentionally fostered a divide among judges within the top court.
The small ceremony was attended by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah. The judges planted flower plants on the lawns, exchanged pleasantries, and offered prayers, promoting unity among the judiciary.
An anonymous senior counsel suggested that the initiative was a smart move to dispel the impression of a significant divide among the Supreme Court judges.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah proposed that both the CJP and Justice Isa plant the first flower plant together, a suggestion that was accepted by both. Subsequently, each judge planted separate plants during the brief event.
After the tree plantation, the CJP offered prayers for the success of the event and bestowed blessings upon the judiciary.
In a one-page statement issued through the court’s public relations office, Justice Isa refuted the claim that he deliberately created a separate group within the Supreme Court. He emphasized his commitment to upholding the Constitution and defending the principles of his office.
Justice Isa stated, “Garnishing facts to create a controversial narrative is damaging to the institution. Let us not be detracted. Let us work together to build a strong judicial system that focuses on the administration of expeditious justice.”
Addressing an incident during the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Justice Federal Shariat Court (FSC) Iqbal Hameedur Rahman, Justice Isa expressed regret over erroneous interpretations that circulated on social media. He clarified that he had greeted CJP Bandial, contrary to the misinterpretation in the video clip.
Justice Isa urged against the propagation of factually incorrect stories, highlighting the harm and unnecessary misgivings they cause. He shared the personal experience of his family being targeted by sponsored false stories in the recent past.
The tree plantation drive not only symbolized environmental awareness but also served as an opportunity for judges to come together, fostering unity and strengthening the judicial institution.