In Islamabad, Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial, during his final courtroom session, greeted the lawyers, expressing his delight at seeing his friends among them.
The attending lawyers extended their best wishes to the Chief Justice, who reciprocated with gratitude, mentioning that he was also keeping them in his prayers.
One lawyer, Mian Bilal, reminisced about the Chief Justice’s early days in the High Court, noting that he had appeared before him then and was now participating in his last case in the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Bandial acknowledged the apparent ineffectiveness of the case but suggested that presenting arguments could serve to uplift spirits.
Mian Bilal praised the Chief Justice for always listening patiently, to which the Chief Justice humbly replied that it was their duty to do so, highlighting the invaluable support and learning they had received from the legal community. He referred to the legal profession as the “bar,” echoing the sentiments of Justice Sahir Ali, who had regarded the bar as their mother. Chief Justice Bandial expressed hope for future meetings in the bar room.
The Chief Justice also thanked members of the media for their diligence and welcomed their criticism, emphasizing that while media should critique decisions, judges themselves should not be subjected to baseless criticism. He urged critics to ensure their remarks were founded on truth rather than speculation.
Expressing gratitude to Allah, the Chief Justice acknowledged the service he had rendered to the country and justice, fulfilling his duty to Allah.
Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandial’s retirement marked his final day on the bench, and he took the opportunity to thank lawyers and journalists. Alongside him on the bench were Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Ayesha Malik.