Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Responds to Concerns Over Potential Reference, Vows Confidence in Work

Islamabad:In a candid conversation during the oath-taking ceremony of new judges at the Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah addressed the possibility of a reference against senior judges, as mentioned by a government advisor. He confidently stated, *”Let the reference come. If I haven’t done anything wrong, why should I fear? If there’s nothing wrong, why should I be afraid of a reference? Allah is the ultimate master.”*

The informal exchange occurred when a journalist asked Justice Shah about the government’s advisor’s statement, hinting that references could be filed against two senior judges. Justice Shah responded, *”There’s no personal enmity or disagreement. If the elephant in the room is invisible to some, what can we do?”* He further emphasized that he regularly interacts with all judges, sharing tea together, and reiterated that their stance is principled.

When asked about rumors that he had been inactive recently, Justice Shah urged the journalist to check the Supreme Court website. *”Look at the disposal rate, see who has the highest number of reported decisions,”* he remarked.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court swore in six permanent judges and one acting judge. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi administered the oath during a ceremony attended by Supreme Court and High Court judges, the Attorney General, officials from the Pakistan Bar Council and Supreme Court Bar Council, and a large gathering of lawyers.