Islamabad: Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, known as a “gentleman judge”, was today named Pakistan's new Chief Justice, replacing activist judge Iftikhar Chaudhry who led a crusade against corruption and misgovernance.
President Mamnoon Hussain approved Jillani's elevation to the post.
His appointment will come into effect from December 12, a day after Chaudhry, the longest serving Chief Justice, retires.
“The President has approved...the appointment of senior most judge Justice Tassaduq Jillani as the Chief Justice of Pakistan with effect from December 12,” an official said. Jillani is a close relative of former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani and a confidante of the outgoing chief justice.
He is often described as a “gentleman judge” and will serve for nearly seven months.
Chaudhry has built a reputation by strengthening the judiciary, often through direct confrontation with the civilian government and the powerful military.
