Karachi, Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) and former Foreign Minister, has indicated his belief that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will be the next Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). In a statement, Zardari expressed his view that Justice Shah is the likely candidate for the role. He noted that both Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah were members of the bench that made the landmark decision in the case of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s murder. Zardari conveyed his high regard for both judges, as reported by the PPP in a press release on their website.

For context, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was executed in 1979, following the overthrow of his government by a military coup led by then Army Chief General Ziaul Haq.

Dawn also reported Zardari's comments on the respect he has for both CJP Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah. He emphasized that both judges were involved in Bhutto's case and should not be embroiled in controversy. Zardari highlighted that CJP Isa was the first chief justice to voluntarily limit his own powers by accepting the Practice and Procedures Act, reflecting parliamentary will.

Additionally, Zardari expressed confidence in garnering support from Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding proposed legislation for "constitutional courts," which is supported by both the PPP and PML-N. Rehman, a key ally before the 2024 general elections and head of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance, played a crucial role in the 2022 no-confidence motion that removed PTI founder Imran Khan from office.

The PPP has also backed a proposal to lower the age requirement for judicial appointments. While the government suggested raising the retirement age for Chief Justices to 67 years, JUI-F opposed this, advocating for a retirement age of 65 instead, according to the PPP's press release.