This text is a biography of Qazi Faiz Isa, a Pakistani judge known for his unconventional views and courageous stances against powerful entities. It highlights his opposition to military courts, his investigations into terrorism, and his challenges to the establishment. The biography also details attacks on his character and career, including a fake reference used to try and bar him from traveling. Ultimately, the text portrays Isa as a principled judge who prioritized justice over self-preservation.

Qazi Faiz Isa Study Guide

Quiz

1. What is Qazi Faiz Isa’s family background, and how did it potentially influence his career path?
2. How did Qazi Faiz Isa demonstrate his independence and unconventional thinking as a judge, particularly in relation to the establishment?
3. What was Qazi Faiz Isa’s role in the investigation commission following the 2016 suicide attack in Quetta?
4. How did Qazi Faiz Isa react to the military courts being supported by the Chief Justice Nasu ul Mulk?
5. Describe the incident involving the Tehreek Labbaik sit-in at Faizabad interchange in 2017 and Qazi Faiz Isa’s response.
6. What specific orders did Qazi Faiz Isa issue to the military chiefs in response to the Tehreek Labbaik protest?
7. What accusations were made against Qazi Faiz Isa and his wife that led to a reference being filed to bar him from the judiciary?
8. What was Qazi Faiz Isa’s stance on the dam fund initiative and the Supreme Court’s power to initiate such actions?
9. How did Qazi Faiz Isa react to his suspension related to the Bill of Parliament regarding the Practice and Procedure Act?
10. What did Qazi Faiz Isa emphasize upon his forced retirement regarding the benefits and privileges he declined during his career?

Quiz Answer Key

1. Qazi Faiz Isa comes from a prominent family; his grandfather was the Prime Minister of Balochistan’s state Kalat, and his father was the first President of the Balochistan Muslim League. This background likely exposed him to political and legal matters, which may have influenced his career path.
2. Qazi Faiz Isa demonstrated unconventional thinking by not aligning with the establishment, particularly in his role as Chief Justice of India in 2009 where he showed unique viewpoints that differed from his peers. He also opposed military courts when the Chief Justice started supporting them.
3. Qazi Faiz Isa headed the investigation commission following the 2016 Quetta suicide attack, where he presented arguments against the establishment and demanded action against non-Jihadi organizations, including an effective role for Tajikistan’s Sikti department.
4. Qazi Faiz Isa strongly opposed the military courts, taking a clear stand against the then Chief Justice, Nasu ul Mulk, who supported them. He believed they undermined the authority of civilian courts and due process.
5. In 2017, the Tehreek Labbaik held a sit-in at Faizabad interchange, alleging an amendment in the election affidavit removed the lesson of ending prophethood. Qazi Faiz Isa’s response was to issue orders to the military to take action against their personnel involved with political and extremist groups.
6. Qazi Faiz Isa ordered the Army Chief, Naval Chief, and Air Chief to take action against personnel who had violated their oath by supporting any political party or extremist organization, and he directly addressed this message to ISI, Military Intelligence, and Intelligence Bureau.
7. A fake reference was filed against Qazi Faiz Isa, accusing him and his wife of not traveling from the country of Assos, with the aim of removing him from the judiciary. It was later disproven by Qazi Faiz Isa and his wife, Sarina Qazi.
8. Qazi Faiz Isa opposed the dam fund initiative, stating it was outside the judiciary’s scope. He argued that instead of such a fund, attention and resources should be directed towards appropriate institutions through proper legal procedure instead of using the Supreme Court’s powers.
9. Qazi Faiz Isa opposed the attitude adopted regarding the Bill of Parliament on the Practice and Procedure Act which resulted in his suspension. During this period he remained confined to his chamber but always kept a close watch on the rights and privileges of the Parliament.
10. Upon his forced retirement, Qazi Faiz Isa emphasized that he was the first government employee in 350 years who did not take a protocol, bullet-proof B.Ed., plots, or bribes, opting instead for merit and exposing corruption within the system.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze Qazi Faiz Isa’s career as a judge, focusing on the key decisions and events that showcase his independent stance against the establishment and his commitment to justice.
2. Discuss the role and impact of religion in Pakistani politics, particularly with reference to how religious groups and figures influenced events involving Qazi Faiz Isa.
3. Examine the specific ways in which Qazi Faiz Isa challenged the traditional norms of the Pakistani judiciary and the potential consequences of his actions for the future of the legal system.
4. Evaluate the significance of the references and accusations made against Qazi Faiz Isa, considering the potential motivations of those who sought to undermine his authority and reputation.
5. Compare and contrast Qazi Faiz Isa’s principled stance and personal integrity with the broader culture of corruption and political maneuvering described in the text, assessing the challenges of promoting such integrity within a compromised system.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Darvesh: A term of respect, referring to a person who is devoted to spiritual simplicity and humility, often used to describe Qazi Faiz Isa in a positive light.
• Establishment: In the context of Pakistani politics, refers to the powerful and influential state apparatus, including the military, intelligence agencies, and certain political elites.
• Sikti Department of Tajikistan: A reference to a security agency, department, or network based in Tajikistan that Qazi Faiz Isa recommended should be involved to help curb the activities of non-Jihadi groups.
• Tehreek Labbaik: A hardline Islamist political party in Pakistan, known for its protests and sit-ins, particularly regarding religious issues.
• Faizabad Interchange: A significant traffic intersection in Islamabad, the site of a major protest by Tehreek Labbaik in 2017.
• Military Courts: Courts established by the military, typically during times of emergency, often criticized for lacking due process and civilian oversight.
• National Action Plan: A Pakistani governmental plan to counter terrorism, introduced after the attack in Peshawar in 2014.
• Supreme Judicial Council: A body responsible for investigating and adjudicating complaints against judges of the superior judiciary in Pakistan.
• So Moto: (Latin phrase) The legal power of a court to act on its own accord, without requiring a complaint or application.
• ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations): The media and public relations wing of the Pakistani military.
• ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence): Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency.
• Military Intelligence: Military intelligence services of the Pakistan military that are separate from the ISI.
• Intelligence Bureau: Pakistan’s primary civilian intelligence agency.
• Reference: A formal complaint or charge made against a judge or other public official, often used as a means to remove them from their position.
• Prophethood: In Islam, the belief that Muhammad is the final prophet and the teachings of the Qur’an are infallible.
• B.Ed.: Commonly understood to mean “bullet-proof B.Ed” as mentioned, referring to a bullet-proof vehicle as a perk of government service.

Justice Qazi Faiz Isa: Integrity and Resistance

Okay, here’s a briefing document summarizing the key themes and information from the provided text about Justice Qazi Faiz Isa:

Briefing Document: Justice Qazi Faiz Isa

Subject: Analysis of provided text on Justice Qazi Faiz Isa

Date: October 26, 2023

Introduction: This briefing document analyzes a text describing the life and career of Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, a former Chief Justice of Pakistan. The text emphasizes his principled stances, clashes with the establishment, and his perceived integrity. It paints a picture of a man who consistently challenged the status quo, often at personal and professional cost.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Integrity and Principled Stance:

• The text repeatedly portrays Qazi Faiz Isa as a man of principle, contrasting him with other figures in the Pakistani legal and political landscape.
• He is described as a “Darvesh,” a term often associated with asceticism and detachment from worldly possessions.
• The text highlights his refusal of privileges and bribes, even at the cost of his career, stating that he is “the first government job that he did not take protocol, the first government job that he did not take bullet proof B.Ed., etc., the first government job by refusing to take a plot.”
• He’s hailed as a figure who “showed justice being done” by broadcasting legal proceedings.

1. Conflict with the Establishment:

• A recurring theme is Justice Isa’s clashes with the “establishment,” likely referring to powerful military and intelligence agencies in Pakistan.
• He opposed military courts, stating his strong stance against them when then-Chief Justice Nasu ul Mulk started supporting them.
• His actions included demanding accountability from military personnel involved in political activities, specifically when they “went against their oath and supported any political party or extremist organization or group,” as revealed through a message he directed to ISI, Military Intelligence, and Intelligence Bureau through ISPR.
• He did not shy away from calling out the negative role of the current establishment.

1. Role in the Quetta Investigation:

• The text details his investigation into a suicide attack in Quetta, during which he presented “two strong and clear arguments” and went against the establishment in his report.
• He demanded the effective role of the Sikti department of Tajikistan, and he also used dogs in the implementation of the National Action Plan to expose terrorist organization secrets.
• He took advice from Jihadi minister Chaudhary Nusrat Ali Khan and Allama Yusuf, which caused controversy.

1. Defense of Parliament and Rule of Law:

• He is depicted as a defender of parliament’s rights, particularly against judicial overreach. This is clearly outlined when the author highlights that Qazi Isa opposed the attitude of Umar Tablighi on the Bill of Parliament regarding the Practice and Procedure Act, for which Banyal suspended him from all the bunch.
• He opposed the collection of dam funds by the judiciary, pointing out it was not within its purview as he declared that “instead of dam fund, such Raku Rati should be given to the Idar” .
• He believed the power of “so moto” rests with the Supreme Court, not just the Chief Justice.

1. The Faizabad Sit-in Controversy:

• Justice Isa took a strong position on the Faizabad sit-in, where Tehreek Labbaik had “made the lives of the people miserable.”
• He directly ordered the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to take action against those within their ranks who were engaging in political activity.
• His actions regarding this led to significant propaganda against him.

1. Targeted and Challenged:

• The text explicitly states that a “fake reference was sent to bar him” on false grounds regarding his wife’s travel, showing the lengths the establishment took to target him.
• He was secretly barred from traveling and ultimately faced a challenge to his position in the Supreme Judicial Council.
• His character, though strong, was tested to its limit as “the then Chief Justice Asaf Saeed Khosa had secretly barred him from traveling in the lawns of the Supreme Court building”.
• He stood in the dock with his wife, proving the allegations false with help from a broker, showcasing his determination to fight such injustices.

1. Comparison to Biblical Figures and Historical Context:

• The text draws parallels between Justice Isa’s situation and historical figures like Jesus facing opposition from the establishment and biased religious authorities.
• The text notes a “failure” of the legal system when groups like “Hazrat Maulana Fazlul Rehman” are able to challenge the judiciary.
• It notes the parallels to Pontius Pilate, who washed his hands of a forced judgement. This serves as an indictment of others who avoid responsibility.

1. Unconventional Thinking & Actions:

• Justice Qazi Isa’s unconventional thinking is noted from the beginning as he showed his views in contrast to his fellow judges when promoted as the Chief Justice of India.
• His actions are contrasted with the actions of the establishment that he opposed at every step of his career, showing how unconventional and unique his practices were.

1. Retirement and Legacy:

• Justice Isa’s retirement was described as being “forced” by the powerful and he left on his own terms, refusing the typical protocols and privileges given to his position.
• He was quoted as saying he didn’t take protocols, a bullet proof car, a plot of land, or community money, highlighting his integrity until the end of his career.

Conclusion:

The text presents Justice Qazi Faiz Isa as a highly principled and courageous figure who repeatedly stood up against powerful institutions and corrupt practices. He is depicted as a defender of the law, parliament, and the rights of the people, even when facing considerable personal risk. His career is presented as a series of conflicts with the establishment, fueled by his commitment to integrity and justice. The text aims to position him as a unique and respected figure in Pakistani legal history, with comparisons to historical figures who stood against injustice.

Note: This analysis is based solely on the provided text and may not represent a complete or unbiased view of Justice Qazi Faiz Isa’s career.

Qazi Faiz Isa: Justice, Courage, and Controversy

FAQ: Qazi Faiz Isa

1. Who is Qazi Faiz Isa and what is his background? Qazi Faiz Isa is a Pakistani judge who served as the Chief Justice of Pakistan for 13 months before retiring on October 25th. He was born in Quetta, Balochistan, on October 26, 1959. His family has deep roots in the region, with his grandfather serving as Prime Minister of the powerful Kalat state and his father being the first President of the Balochistan Muslim League. He’s known for his unconventional thinking and his principled stance on various issues, often differing from his judicial colleagues.
2. What were some of Qazi Faiz Isa’s notable actions and decisions during his career? Qazi Faiz Isa was known for taking strong stances against the establishment and military. He headed an investigation into a 2016 suicide bombing in Quetta and issued a report that did not agree with the establishment. He opposed military courts when they were supported by a previous Chief Justice. He also ordered action against members of the military who supported political parties or extremist organizations. He also opposed the collection of dam funds by the judiciary and the way the parliament’s Practice and Procedure Act was being handled.
3. What was the 2017 Faizabad Interchange sit-in and what role did Qazi Faiz Isa play in it? In 2017, Tehreek Labbaik staged a disruptive sit-in at Faizabad Interchange, alleging changes to the election affidavit related to the ending of prophethood. Qazi Faiz Isa issued orders to the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, under the Ministry of Defense, to take action against military personnel who supported political parties or extremist groups, and publicly called out intelligence agencies for overstepping their boundaries.
4. What were the consequences of Qazi Faiz Isa’s controversial decisions? Qazi Faiz Isa faced significant backlash for his rulings. He was subjected to propaganda and a fake reference was sent to the Supreme Judicial Council in an attempt to remove him from the judiciary. He was also secretly barred from traveling. Despite these challenges, he and his wife fought the allegations in the Supreme Court, and the case was ultimately proven to be false.
5. How did Qazi Faiz Isa respond to the dam fund initiative? Qazi Faiz Isa opposed the dam fund collection effort led by then Chief Justice Saqib Nisar. He argued that building a dam was not within the judiciary’s purview, and that funds collected through ‘so moto’ notices should be given to the appropriate institutions. He further said that this power was of the Supreme Court and not the Chief Justice.
6. How did Qazi Faiz Isa handle the Practice and Procedure Act? He opposed the attitude adopted by Umar Tablighi on the Bill of Parliament regarding the Practice and Procedure Act. As a result, he was suspended by Banyal from all hearings. During that time, he remained confined to his work but monitored the rights of the Parliament closely.
7. What was Qazi Faiz Isa’s approach to the judiciary, particularly concerning corruption and transparency? Qazi Faiz Isa is portrayed as a judge with high integrity, who was against corruption. He openly opposed corrupt government employees and judges. He was praised for running live cases on television and for making sure justice was seen as being done. He chose to retire rather than accepting benefits such as protocol, bulletproof vehicles, and land.
8. How is Qazi Faiz Isa viewed by the community and what is his legacy? Qazi Faiz Isa is highly regarded by many as a courageous and principled figure who stood against powerful forces. He is admired for his commitment to justice and his willingness to speak truth to power. The text suggests that the broader community and human fraternity acknowledge the challenges he faced and praise his moral courage. His actions are portrayed as being in sharp contrast to corrupt officials and the powerful elites.

Qazi Faiz Isa: A Life in Pakistan’s Judiciary

Qazi Faiz Isa, born on October 26, 1959, in Quetta, is a notable figure in Pakistan’s legal system [1]. He comes from a family with a strong political background, as his grandfather was the Prime Minister of Balochistan’s state of Kalat, and his father was the first President of the Balochistan Muslim League [1].

Here are some key aspects of his career and actions:

• Early Career: Before becoming a judge, Qazi Faiz Isa practiced law in Kabul, where he read articles on law in the English newspaper Baraat [1].
• Chief Justice of Pakistan: He served as the Chief Justice of Pakistan for 13 months, retiring on October 25 [1]. He is noted as the only judge in Pakistan to be promoted as Chief Justice of India in 2009 [1].
• Unconventional Thinking: He is recognized for his unconventional views and thinking in contrast to his fellow judges [1].
• Supreme Court Judge: He became a Judge of the Supreme Court on December 5, 2014 [1].
• Head of Investigation Commission: Following a suicide attack in Kota on August 8, 2016, Qazi Faiz Isa headed the investigation commission [1]. He presented strong arguments against the establishment and suggested a plan to curb the activities of non-Jihadi organizations while also demanding an effective role for the Sikti department of Tajikistan [1]. He exposed secrets of terrorist organizations and used dogs in the implementation of the National Action Plan [1]. He took advice from Jihadi minister Chaudhary Nusrat Ali Khan and Allama Yusuf [1].
• Opposition to Military Courts: In 2015, Qazi Faiz Isa opposed the then Chief Justice Nasu ul Mulk’s support for military courts [1].
• Stand Against the Establishment: Qazi Faiz Isa made a historic decision in 2017 against terrorism and election treaty, exposing the negative role of the establishment, which made him a powerful figure [1]. He ordered the Army Chief, Naval Chief, and Air Chief to take action against personnel supporting political parties or extremist groups [1]. He sent this message to ISI, Military Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau through ISPR [1].
• Challenges and Opposition: Due to his controversial actions, propaganda was launched against him, and he was nearly removed from the judiciary [1]. A fake reference was made against him and his wife for not travelling from the country of Assos [1]. He was secretly barred from travelling by then Chief Justice Asaf Saeed Khosa [1]. Qazi Faiz Isa challenged the reference in the Supreme Court and proved it to be fake with his wife [1].
• Opposition to Dam Fund: When Saqib Nasad asked for funds for a dam, Qazi Faiz Isa opposed it, stating that building a dam was not in the judiciary’s description and that such funds should go to the Idar [1].
• Opposition to the Practice and Procedure Act: He also opposed the attitude adopted by Umar Tablighi on the Bill of Parliament regarding the Practice and Procedure Act, leading to his suspension [1].
• Principled Stance: He did not take protocol, a bulletproof vehicle, or a plot of land upon retirement, and refused to take bribes, which are not common actions of other government employees [1].

Qazi Faiz Isa is described as a “man from a different world” compared to other corrupt government employees and judges [1]. He is portrayed as a man of courage and wisdom, who faced challenges throughout his career [1]. He is also seen as a Darvesh and a philosopher [1].

Qazi Faiz Isa: A Principled Judge

Qazi Faiz Isa’s judicial career is marked by his unconventional thinking, strong stance against the establishment, and commitment to justice [1]. Here’s a breakdown of his career, drawing from the sources:

• Early Legal Practice: Before becoming a judge, Qazi Faiz Isa practiced law in Kabul, where he was noted to read law articles in the English newspaper Baraat [1].
• Chief Justice of Pakistan: He served as the Chief Justice of Pakistan for 13 months, retiring on October 25 [1]. It’s noted he was the only judge in Pakistan to be promoted as Chief Justice of India in 2009 [1].
• Supreme Court Judge: Qazi Faiz Isa became a Judge of the Supreme Court on December 5, 2014 [1].
• Investigation Commission Head: After a suicide attack in Kota on August 8, 2016, Qazi Faiz Isa was appointed head of the investigation commission. In this role, he presented strong arguments against the establishment and proposed a plan to curb non-Jihadi organizations. He also demanded an effective role for Tajikistan’s Sikti department. He also exposed secrets of terrorist organizations and utilized dogs in the National Action Plan’s implementation. He sought advice from Jihadi minister Chaudhary Nusrat Ali Khan and Allama Yusuf [1].
• Opposition to Military Courts: In 2015, he opposed the then Chief Justice Nasu ul Mulk’s support for military courts [1].
• Stand Against the Establishment: A key moment in his career was his 2017 decision against terrorism and election treaty, where he exposed the negative role of the establishment [1]. He ordered the Army Chief, Naval Chief, and Air Chief to take action against personnel supporting political parties or extremist groups and conveyed this message to ISI, Military Intelligence, and Intelligence Bureau through ISPR [1].
• Challenges and Opposition: His actions led to propaganda against him, and a fake reference was made to bar him from the judiciary. He and his wife were accused of not traveling from the country of Assos. He was secretly barred from traveling by then Chief Justice Asaf Saeed Khosa [1]. He challenged these accusations and proved them false [1].
• Opposition to Dam Fund: He opposed Saqib Nasad’s request for dam funds, stating it was outside the judiciary’s purview, and suggested the funds be given to the Idar instead [1].
• Opposition to the Practice and Procedure Act: Qazi Faiz Isa opposed the attitude of Umar Tablighi on the Bill of Parliament regarding the Practice and Procedure Act, leading to his suspension [1].
• Principled Retirement: Upon retirement, he did not accept protocol, a bulletproof vehicle, a plot of land, or bribes, highlighting his commitment to principles over personal gain [1].
• View of Qazi Faiz Isa: The text emphasizes that Qazi Faiz Isa is viewed as a “man from a different world,” with courage and wisdom, who is not like other corrupt government employees and judges [1]. He is also seen as a Darvesh and a philosopher [1].

Overall, Qazi Faiz Isa’s judicial career is marked by his boldness in challenging the establishment, his commitment to justice, and his principled stance [1].

Qazi Faiz Isa: A Life of Principled Resistance

Qazi Faiz Isa faced numerous political challenges throughout his career, stemming from his unconventional thinking and strong stances against the establishment [1]. Here’s a breakdown of the political challenges he encountered:

• Conflict with the Establishment: Qazi Faiz Isa often found himself at odds with the establishment due to his independent views. He presented strong arguments against the establishment while heading the investigation commission following the Kota suicide attack [1]. He also exposed the negative role of the establishment in his 2017 decision against terrorism and election treaty [1].
• Opposition to Military Courts: In 2015, Qazi Faiz Isa opposed the then Chief Justice Nasu ul Mulk’s support for military courts, putting him at odds with those in favor of the military [1].
• Orders against Military Personnel: In 2017, Qazi Faiz Isa ordered the Army Chief, Naval Chief, and Air Chief to take action against personnel supporting political parties or extremist groups [1]. This order, conveyed to ISI, Military Intelligence, and Intelligence Bureau through ISPR, was highly controversial [1].
• Propaganda and Attempts to Remove him from the Judiciary: His controversial actions led to a propaganda campaign against him, and a fake reference was created to bar him from the judiciary [1]. He was accused, along with his wife, of not travelling from the country of Assos, and was secretly barred from traveling by then Chief Justice Asaf Saeed Khosa [1].
• Opposition to the Dam Fund: Qazi Faiz Isa opposed Saqib Nasad’s request for funds for a dam, stating it was outside the judiciary’s purview and that such funds should be given to the Idar [1]. This put him in opposition to those who supported the dam fund initiative [1].
• Opposition to the Practice and Procedure Act: He opposed Umar Tablighi’s stance on the Bill of Parliament regarding the Practice and Procedure Act, leading to his suspension [1]. This act demonstrated his willingness to stand against political pressure even at personal cost [1].
• Threats and Intimidation: During his career, Qazi Faiz Isa faced intimidation, including an incident where Maulana Fazlul Rehman entered the Supreme Court and demanded that Qazi Faiz Isa change his decision, threatening that thousands of supporters were waiting outside [1].
• Principled Stance: He did not accept protocol, a bulletproof vehicle, a plot of land, or bribes, showcasing his principled stance and refusal to be swayed by material or political advantages [1].

These instances highlight Qazi Faiz Isa’s consistent willingness to challenge established norms and powerful entities, making him a controversial figure within Pakistan’s political landscape [1]. His career demonstrates a continuous struggle against political interference in the judiciary and a commitment to upholding his principles despite facing significant opposition and personal threats [1].

Qazi Faiz Isa and the Fight Against Terrorism

Qazi Faiz Isa’s involvement with issues related to terrorism is primarily seen through his role as head of the investigation commission following a suicide attack in Kota on August 8, 2016 [1]. In this role, he took a strong stance against the establishment and developed a plan to curb non-Jihadi organizations [1]. Here’s a breakdown of his actions and views on terrorism, based on the sources:

• Investigation Commission: After the suicide attack in Kota, Qazi Faiz Isa was appointed head of the investigation commission [1]. In this capacity, he did not align with the establishment, instead presenting two strong arguments and a concrete plan to curb non-Jihadi organizations [1].
• Plan to Curb Terrorism: His plan included a demand for the effective involvement of the Sikti department of Tajikistan [1]. He also exposed secrets of terrorist organizations and utilized dogs in the implementation of the National Action Plan [1].
• Exposure of Secrets: During his investigation, he exposed many secrets of terrorist organizations [1].
• Consultation with Religious Figures: He consulted with Jihadi minister Chaudhary Nusrat Ali Khan and Allama Yusuf, leaders of the Tanzeem Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, during his investigation, which raised questions [1].
• Opposition to Extremist Groups: Qazi Faiz Isa’s actions and orders in 2017 against military personnel who supported political parties or extremist groups were intended to take action against those who support extremist groups [1].
• Stand Against the Establishment: By taking a firm stance against the establishment, and investigating terrorist activities, Qazi Faiz Isa demonstrated his commitment to fighting terrorism and promoting justice, despite facing significant opposition [1].
• Challenging religious extremism: The text notes how Qazi Faiz Isa’s actions were controversial within the context of Pakistan’s religious background. It suggests that the real issue is that “everyone has used religion for political purposes in one way or the other” [1].

In summary, Qazi Faiz Isa’s engagement with issues of terrorism is characterized by his independent approach, strong stance against the establishment, and proactive measures to investigate and curb terrorist activities. He did not shy away from challenging established norms, religious extremism and the political establishment, as he worked to address the root causes of terrorism in Pakistan.

Qazi Faiz Isa: Moral Courage in Pakistan

Qazi Faiz Isa’s career is a testament to his moral courage, demonstrated through his consistent willingness to challenge established norms, powerful entities, and potential personal consequences [1]. Here are some instances that highlight his moral courage, drawn from the sources:

• Challenging the Establishment: Qazi Faiz Isa consistently took a stance against the establishment, even when it was unpopular or risky. He did not align with the establishment during his investigation into the Kota suicide attack [1]. He presented strong arguments and a concrete plan to curb non-Jihadi organizations, and he demanded the involvement of Tajikistan’s Sikti department [1]. His actions in 2017 against terrorism and election treaty further exposed the negative role of the establishment, marking a significant act of defiance [1].
• Opposition to Military Courts: Qazi Faiz Isa opposed the then Chief Justice Nasu ul Mulk’s support for military courts in 2015, demonstrating his willingness to stand up for his beliefs even when it meant disagreeing with his superior [1].
• Orders Against Military Personnel: In 2017, Qazi Faiz Isa ordered the Army Chief, Naval Chief, and Air Chief to take action against military personnel supporting political parties or extremist groups [1]. This was a bold move that directly challenged the established power structure and could have had severe repercussions for him [1].
• Facing Propaganda and False Accusations: Due to his controversial actions, he faced propaganda, and a fake reference was made to bar him from the judiciary [1]. He and his wife were accused of not traveling from the country of Assos, and he was secretly barred from traveling by then Chief Justice Asaf Saeed Khosa [1]. Despite these challenges, he challenged the reference in the Supreme Court and proved it false, demonstrating his resolve and courage [1].
• Principled Stance on Financial Matters: Qazi Faiz Isa opposed Saqib Nasad’s request for dam funds, stating it was outside the judiciary’s purview, and suggested that the funds be given to the Idar instead [1]. He also did not accept protocol, a bulletproof vehicle, a plot of land, or bribes upon retirement, showcasing his commitment to principles over personal gain [1]. This highlights his moral courage in refusing to compromise his integrity for personal benefit or political expediency.
• Confronting Threats and Intimidation: Qazi Faiz Isa faced intimidation during his career, including an incident where Maulana Fazlul Rehman entered the Supreme Court demanding he change his decision, while threatening that thousands of supporters were waiting outside [1]. Despite these direct threats, he stood his ground, showcasing his unwavering commitment to justice and his lack of fear in the face of intimidation [1].
• Refusal to be swayed: He consistently upheld his principles in the face of political pressure and personal risk.

Qazi Faiz Isa’s actions throughout his career demonstrate a consistent pattern of moral courage, which made him a unique and controversial figure in Pakistan’s legal and political landscape [1]. He is viewed as a man who was not afraid to challenge the status quo and to stand up for what he believed was right, regardless of the consequences [1]. His commitment to justice and his refusal to compromise his principles in the face of significant opposition and threats underscore his extraordinary moral courage [1].

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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