President Alvi has acknowledged the resignation of Justice Ijazul Ahsan

President Alvi has acknowledged the resignation of Justice Ijazul Ahsan.

ISLAMABAD – The formal approval of Justice Ijazul Ahsan’s resignation from the Supreme Court has been granted by President Dr. Arif Alvi. Justice Ahsan’s unexpected decision to step down came a day after his colleague, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, also resigned.

A press release from the President House announced the acceptance of Justice Ahsan’s resignation, citing Articles 179 and 206(a) of the Constitution. The approval was based on the recommendation of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.

In a brief one-page resignation letter submitted on Thursday, Justice Ahsan expressed gratitude for his time in the apex court, considering it an “honour and privilege.” However, he did not specify a reason for his decision to discontinue serving as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Initially designated to succeed Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Ahsan’s sudden resignation paves the way for the next senior judge, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, to assume the role of Chief Justice on October 25, 2024, succeeding CJP Isa. This accelerates Justice Shah’s assumption of the coveted position, originally expected on August 3, 2025.

Furthermore, Justice Shah now assumes Justice Ahsan’s responsibilities on the Supreme Judicial Council and the three-member special committee responsible for bench formation. Following Justice Ahsan’s resignation, the Supreme Court’s composition has been reduced to 14 judges out of the sanctioned strength of 17.

On the preceding day, President Alvi had also accepted the resignation of Justice Naqvi, who faced allegations of misconduct.