Senior PML-N leader and former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has expressed deep regret over the recent wave of judicial resignations following the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling the development a “moment of reflection” for all those who believe in the supremacy of the Constitution, justice, law, and democracy in Pakistan.
In a detailed post shared on social media, Saad Rafique addressed the resignations of Supreme Court judges Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, as well as Lahore High Court’s Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza, who tendered his resignation shortly afterward.
Tribute to the Resigning Judges
Saad Rafique recalled that Justice Athar Minallah stood on the front lines during the historic lawyers’ movement but, after becoming a judge, never met or interacted with him. Despite political differences, Saad Rafique described him as one of the most honest and upright members of the judiciary.
Speaking about Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, he noted that as Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Shah earned widespread respect for his competence and independence, known for working without bowing to any external pressure.
He also highlighted that Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza was considered a judge with a strong and positive professional reputation in the Lahore High Court. Addressing allegations regarding Mirza’s supposed association with lawyer Salman Akram Raja, Rafique called such claims childish, stressing that even if any distant relation existed, it had never affected Mirza’s judicial conduct.
Resignations Not to Be Linked with Earlier Cases
The former federal minister pointed out that a few judges had resigned from the Supreme Court some time earlier, but linking the latest resignations with those past incidents would be unfair. According to him, the three recently resigned judges were crucial for maintaining balance within the judiciary.
Despite personal grievances or disagreements with some of their earlier rulings, Rafique emphasized that he always respected their professionalism, competence, and commitment to fairness.
A Warning Against Politicizing the Judiciary’s Crisis
Saad Rafique cautioned that viewing the resignations through the lens of factional politics may make the situation appear advantageous for some, but from a neutral and national viewpoint, these resignations should alarm anyone who aspires to see strong democratic institutions in Pakistan.
He warned that this trend of resignations may not stop at the judiciary and could spill over into Parliament, further destabilizing the state. He urged all political actors to recognize that not every opponent can be arrested nor branded a traitor.
Need for National Restraint and Institutional Repair
Calling Pakistan a “nuclear-armed country surrounded by enemies,” Rafique stressed that internal strife and polarization could dangerously weaken the nation. He urged authorities to avoid creating new conflicts while older unresolved crises still loom large.
He insisted that instead of beating drums of celebration over judges stepping down, political forces and state institutions must focus on healing the emerging fault lines that threaten national cohesion.
