ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan QaziFaez Isa voiced strong criticism over the misuse of media to launch personal attacks, remarking that the “easiest job is to hurl abuse at the Chief Justice.”
His comments were made during a Supreme Court hearing regarding the appointment of permanent vice-chancellors at public sector universities, particularly in the case involving Samina Malik, Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Isa, addressed the issue of Samina Malik’s absence from court and university meetings, citing health reasons.
The court questioned the legitimacy of the medical certificate provided by Malik, noting that the certificate was issued under the name “Samina Rashid,” different from the name on official documents.
This discrepancy prompted the Chief Justice to suggest that the certificate might be fake.Samina Malik’s lawyer, RehanuddinGolra, argued that her health condition was genuine, presenting her inability to attend meetings due to back problems.
A heated exchange ensued between the Chief Justice and the lawyer, with Chief Justice Isa pointing out inconsistencies and questioning why she had repeatedly failed to appear or participate in person, while relying on online attendance for meetings.
The lawyer insisted that Malik had attended other meetings online and was only absent from one.Chief Justice Isa expressed frustration over the apparent evasion of responsibilities by citing health excuses, asking whether Malik’s continued position as rector was justified.
“If she is unwell to this extent, why should she remain in the post?” he asked, noting that important decisions in the university were being delayed due to her absence.During the hearing, the court ordered Samina Malik to appear in person, and she was brought to the courtroom in a wheelchair.
Chief Justice Isa reprimanded her for avoiding official meetings, emphasising that her excuses were becoming a pattern.He also questioned why the Higher Education Commission (HEC) had allowed this to continue.
“Is there only one woman in all of Pakistan who is always sick?” the Chief Justice remarked, sarcastically addressing Samina Malik’s frequent absences.
