Asignificant and dignified chapter was added to Pakistan’s judicial, intellectual, and national history when the prestigious launch ceremony of the autobiography “In Pursuit of Justice” by former Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan, Justice Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan, was held at the City Campus Auditorium of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi.
The event was not merely a celebration of a book publication; rather, it emerged as a grand gathering paying tribute to the enduring journey of justice, integrity, constitutional supremacy, institutional independence, and national responsibility. The remarkable presence of distinguished personalities from the judiciary, bar, bureaucracy, politics, business, academia, and civil society lent the ceremony a truly historic character.
Meaningful Participation of the Higher Judiciary
The ceremony was presided over by the current Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan, Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rahman, while the Chief Guest was the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput.
In their addresses, the esteemed judges stated that Justice Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan’s judicial career stands as a shining example of principled conduct, constitutional fidelity, and impartiality. They emphasized that judges of such caliber strengthen institutions and preserve public confidence in the justice system.
Distinguished National Leadership in Attendance
Prominent personalities present at the ceremony included former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Mian Soomro, former Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Ghaus Ali Shah, former Governor of Sindh, Moinuddin Haider, Chairman of JS Group, Jahangir Siddiqui and Senior legal expert, Syed Ghulam Shah.
Their participation elevated the event to national significance, transforming it from a literary gathering into a platform for intellectual and institutional dialogue.
Prominent Speakers and Intellectual Discourse
Those who expressed their views at the ceremony included former Judge of the Lahore High Court, Justice Farrukh Irfan Khan, former Attorney General for Pakistan, Munir A. Malik, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, Ahmed Shah, CEO of Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services, Brigadier Tariq Qadir Lakhiar
Translator of the book
The speakers remarked that the book serves as an important reference for understanding the internal dimensions of Pakistan’s judicial system. They stressed that judicial independence and constitutional supremacy are indispensable for the survival of democracy.
Author’s Address
In his passionate address, Justice (R) Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan stated: “The pursuit of justice is a continuous struggle. The true test of a judge comes when he rises above pressure, personal interest, and temporary expediency to decide in accordance with the Constitution and his conscience.”
He reflected upon the pivotal moments of his 44-year judicial career, constitutional crises, landmark cases, and the challenges of maintaining principled positions despite institutional pressures. Addressing the younger generation, he emphasized that the legal profession is not merely a career but a national trust.
Participation of Pakistan Excellence Club and the Legal Community
Office-bearers and executive members of the Pakistan Excellence Club were notably present at the ceremony. Judges, senior lawyers, representatives of bar associations, law students, and members of civil society from across the country attended in large numbers, turning the event into a national intellectual congregation.
An Intellectual, Judicial and National Milestone
Participants described the ceremony as one of the most significant recent academic and judicial events in Karachi’s history.
“In Pursuit of Justice” is not merely the life story of an individual; it is a documented testament to Pakistan’s judicial evolution, constitutional struggle, and institutional consolidation.
The evening reaffirmed the collective resolve that the torch of justice will remain lit, and that constitutional supremacy remains the ultimate guarantee of national stability.
“In Pursuit of Justice” – One Book, One Struggle, One Commitment.