ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has recommended the termination of former Supreme Court Judge Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi’s service, finding him guilty of misconduct. This decision came after an unexpected turn of events last month when Justice Naqvi resigned amidst allegations of misconduct. Adding to the intrigue, Justice Ijazul Ahsan also tendered his resignation a day after Naqvi’s departure, leading to widespread speculation about the reasons and timing of their resignations.
Justice Naqvi’s journey to this point was marked by a legal career which began in Gujranwala. Elevated to the Supreme Court on March 16, 2020, he brought extensive experience in various legal domains, including Criminal Law, Anti-Terrorism Law, and Constitutional Law.
The allegations against Justice Naqvi, leading to his resignation and the SJC’s termination recommendation, were rooted in serious charges of misconduct and financial impropriety. These allegations prompted two Supreme Court justices to call for the SJC to initiate proceedings against him. The complaints gained traction when audio recordings allegedly involving Naqvi in questionable activities with political figures surfaced, leading to a closer examination of his actions and assets.
The misconduct proceedings against Justice Naqvi were unprecedented in Pakistan’s history, initiated by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), the apex regulatory body of lawyers in the country. The allegations against him involved serious charges of misconduct and financial impropriety, leading two judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, to urge the SJC to initiate proceedings against him. Despite these allegations, the initial response from the judiciary’s leadership was sluggish, with Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial not immediately calling a meeting of the SJC. It was only under the new Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa that the SJC issued a show-cause notice to Justice Naqvi, who then failed to adequately respond, prompting further action.
Justice Naqvi’s resignation on January 10, 2024, came amid these growing pressures, with him stating that continuing in his position had become untenable. The SJC, under the leadership of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, then proceeded with the case, recording statements from seven witnesses as part of the misconduct case against him. The Council made the proceedings public upon Naqvi’s request, allowing him and others to join for cross-examination of the witnesses. This openness in the proceedings was a notable aspect of the case.
