The Pakistan Bar Council has decided not to attend the farewell dinner for outgoing Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial over some court decisions, selection of judges after seeing cases, and appointment of judges in the high court and Supreme Court.

“Most of the decisions of CJP Umar Ata Bandial won’t be remembered in good words in history,” said PBC Vice Chairman Haroonur Rashid in a note. “Specific judges were selected after seeing cases and favourite judges were appointed to the high court and Supreme Court.”

The note points out the judicial flaws and merits in full court reference held to bid farewell to the outgoing chief justice of Pakistan. But it highlights that CJP Bandial was not taking full-court reference.

“This has been a custom that a reference is held in the Supreme Court on the retirement of the chief justice. In this, the PBC vice chairman addresses the event, highlights the merits and flaws in court matters, and puts forward his suggestions. And, this criticism is made to have reforms.”

Rashid added that the council highlights the issues faced by lawyers. “Now because CJP Bandial is not conducting reference, as PBC VC the points which were supposed to be presented in this reference, I am issuing a press release and for this reason, the members of PBC as a protest will not attend the outgoing farewell being hosted by Supreme Court judges.”

Rashid pointed out that no transparent procedure was made for as many as 60,000 cases pending before the Supreme Court.

The note highlighted that the appointment of government officers who are unaware of the court system was a violation of the Constitution.

It further mentioned the formation of benches for hearing different cases where a 3-2 decision was announced and added that the Supreme Court was made controversial for “personal ego”.

The note urged the nominated chief justice of Pakistan to conduct inquiry under Article 209 (Supreme Judicial Council) of the Constitution against those who violated the code of conduct.

Justice Isa will don the robes as the 29th chief justice on Sept 17, a day after the incumbent, Justice Umar Ata Bandial, retires after turning 65. Justice Isa will serve as chief justice for over a year, until Oct 25, 2024. He took the oath as a Supreme Court judge on Sept 5, 2014.