MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A formal farewell ceremony was organised by the district judiciary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in honour of Chief Justice of the High Court, Sadaqat Hussain Raja, on his retirement, recognising his historic contributions to the judiciary, today.
The farewell ceremony took place in Muzaffarabad, where Chief Justice Sadaqat Hussain Raja was warmly received by judges of the district judiciary.
He was also presented a guard of honour by the AJK Police upon arrival. The farewell ceremony acknowledged his outstanding efforts in ensuring justice for the common man, upholding merit, and improving the welfare of the subordinate judiciary.
Prominent attendees included Senior Judge of the High Court Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain, district and session judges, chairmen of the Environmental and Income Tax Tribunals, judges of accountability and election tribunals, district qazis, members of the AJK Bar Council, and senior administrative officials from Muzaffarabad Division.
Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Chief Justice Sadaqat Hussain Raja thanked the district judiciary for organising a memorable farewell and expressed deep gratitude for the love and respect shown by lawyers, civil society, and the judiciary across AJK.
“I salute the lawyers and judges for the success in resolving long-pending cases in the High Court,” he stated.
Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain praised the leadership of Chief Justice Raja, calling him a brave and dignified individual who strengthened the judiciary. He noted that under his leadership, no case older than five years exists in any bench of the High Court.
Vice Chairman of the AJK Bar Council, Uqab Hashmi, said the widespread recognition of Chief Justice Raja’s retirement is a clear certificate of his performance. According to Bagh District Judge Farooq Mehmood, the relationship between lawyers and judges was very good during Raja’s time.
Several judges and qazis, including Raja Shamraiz Khan from Kotli and Abdul Shakoor Mehruvi from Athmuqam, pointed out that under his leadership, improvements were seen in terms of digitisation, transport and housing.
Commissioner Guftaar Hussain appreciated his administrative contributions, while Chairman Environmental Tribunal Raja Rashid Naseem called him “a great administrator” who modernised the judiciary.
District Qazi Abdul Qadeer Gaddafi said the role of Chief Justice Sadaqat Hussain Raja in delivering justice will always be remembered. District Judge Jehangir Jarral presented a brief biography, praising the Chief Justice for promoting transparency and fairness.
The farewell ceremony ended with the presentation of gifts and a special prayer for the martyrs of Kashmir, Pakistan, and Palestine, and the late former Advocate General Raja Ghazanfar Ali.
