Apex court was embroiled in constitutional issues: CJP Bandial

Supreme Court disposed of 23,000 cases in a year

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Atta Bandial on Monday said that in February this year, many constitutional cases were filed in the Supreme Court and that the apex court was tested by embroiling it in constitutional issues.

Addressing a Full Court Reference, he said as Chief Justice, he was addressing the New Judicial Year ceremony for the last time.

Justice Bandial pointed out he prayed that political stability would bring economic stability but regretted that his innocent observations were sometimes ridiculed. "The term “short and sweet judgement” and his greeting “good to see you” were also misreported."

“We expect accurate reporting from media,” he said.

Justice Bandial said last year at the same event he had highlighted one-year performance of the court. In one year, the Supreme Court disposed of a record 23,000 cases.

He further said the apex court reduced the number of pending cases by 2,000. The court itself became a victim of difficult environment and circumstances several times.

The CJ said he didn't want to recall the incidents that hampered the judicial performance, adding all the incidents had been made part of the judgement in the Audio Leaks case.

Showing grave concern over the economic situation of the country as well as political instability, he said said once political stability was established, other sectors would also flourish.

Praising his successor, CJP Bandial Justice Qazi Faez Isa was an admirable person for whom he had great respect. Sitting next to the CJP, Justice Isa was seen writing something on a piece of paper during the speech.

Fifteen judges of the apex court sans Justice Yahya Afridi, who is abroad, attended the ceremony.

The CJP is set to retire from his office on September 16 upon reaching the age of superannuation. Justice Qazi Faez Isa will replace Mr Bandial on September 17.