Former Supreme Court Judge Maqbool Baqar sworn in as Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh

In a solemn ceremony held on Thursday, former Supreme Court Judge Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar took the oath of office as the designated Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh.

The oath was administered by Governor Kamran Tessori, marking the beginning of a new phase in Sindh's political landscape. With this pivotal step, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar assumes the crucial responsibility of steering the province through a transitional period until the upcoming elections.

The selection of Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar was met with broad consensus across party lines. The ruling Pakistan People's Party proposed his name, and after extensive consultations with various political factions, including the opposition party MQM, he emerged as the unanimous choice. This display of unity underscores the significance of his appointment in maintaining stability and impartiality during the transition.

Born in Karachi in 1957, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar has a distinguished legal career. He obtained his LLB degree from Karachi University and embarked on his judicial journey in 2002 as an Additional Judge in the Sindh High Court, later ascending to the position of a permanent judge in the subsequent year. His unwavering commitment to upholding justice led him to become the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court after the retirement of Justice Mushir Alam.

Notably, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar stood firm in his principles during pivotal moments in Pakistan's legal history. He was among the brave judges who declined to take an oath under General Pervez Musharraf's interim constitutional order and was ultimately reinstated as part of the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad.

In 2013, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar survived an assassination attempt in Karachi, an incident claimed by the militant outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. This resilience in the face of adversity further exemplifies his dedication to the cause of justice.

His esteemed judicial career culminated in his appointment as a judge in the Supreme Court in 2015, where his decisions and unwavering commitment to the rule of law continued to make a profound impact. Notably, during a period of heightened scrutiny by the National Accountability Bureau, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar staunchly defended the principles of legality and due process.

Throughout his career, he demonstrated his commitment to the integrity of the judiciary, as evidenced by his support for Justice Qazi Faiz Isa and his role in advocating for accountability and transparency.

Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar's elevation to the position of Caretaker Chief Minister comes at a critical juncture, where his experience, impartiality, and dedication to the rule of law will undoubtedly guide Sindh through a smooth transition period.