Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the resignations of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah from the Supreme Court, the Presidency confirmed on Thursday. Both judges will formally step down tomorrow, marking a significant change in the apex court’s composition.
In another development authorities issued the notification for appointment of Judges for the Federal Constitutional Court.
Resignation letter of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah
Plans for Justice Mansoor Ali Shah to become Chief Justice of Pakistan have been altered following revisions to the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Although he is the senior-most judge in the country, the amendment now ensures that Chief Justice Yahya Afridi will remain in office until 2027, delaying any potential succession.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah resigned, citing serious threats to the independence of the judiciary and the erosion of constitutional democracy. He said the recent constitutional amendment “has fragmented the Supreme Court” and placed the judiciary under the control of the government, undermining the spirit of constitutional democracy, leaving ordinary citizens without access to justice and rendering the weak powerless in the face of authority.
Impact on Judiciary
Observers say the departures could affect the court’s judicial balance and ongoing high-profile cases. Analysts note that both justices have played key roles in recent landmark rulings, and their exit may trigger a reshuffling of responsibilities among remaining judges.
Official Statement
The President office emphasised that it accepted the resignations following constitutional procedures to ensure a smooth transition. The government has not announced any immediate appointments to replace the judges, but it plans to move quickly to fill the vacancies.
Reactions and Next Steps
Legal experts stress that the resignations underline ongoing challenges within Pakistan’s judiciary. Meanwhile, both justices will submit formal letters of resignation tomorrow, and the Supreme Court will likely hold ceremonial farewells.
Read more: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah Resign from Post
