Once is happenstance, Twice is a coincidence, but given the scale of upheaval in the higher judiciary, the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Ijazul Ahsan has definitely set a pattern. There might be much more than meets the eye in the said notice, on the heels of that sent to President Dr Arif Alvi by Justice Ali Akbar Naqvi. After all, why would someone feel the need to walk away from the last mile of the race when the sparkling chief seat of the chief justice was his for the asking? Abounding accusations of misconduct could have pressurised Justice Naqvi to tender his resignation. Rightfully so, because it is not an easy task to muster up the courage to stand firm and endure whatever low balls brother judges and the state throw at you and your family; demanding answers to extremely discomforting questions. But Justice Ahsan’s record is a different case altogether. Other than the tendency to court controversies in a string of high-profile cases (as is evident from the mixed bag of his jurisprudence on Panama and lifetime disqualifications), which could have an impact on the portfolio once he had no stronger gun to hide behind, even his critics would have a hard time finding a single smudge of financial impropriety. The jury’s still out on the implications this string of backouts would have on the institution of the judiciary but murmurs of Justice Ahsan being forced to resign because of his last few judgements cannot be tossed aside. However, as one judge claims he did not get the audience he deserved to hear his side of the tale and streets are rife with rumours of the other giving a final bow over fears of victimisation for his verdicts, there’s little doubt about the thick fog of uncertainty enveloping a pillar that should ideally be in a comfortable position to provide clarity and definition to the rest of the country. *