The autobiography of Justice (retd) Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan, former chief justice of the Federal Shariat Court, titled In Pursuit of Justice, was formally launched at a ceremony held at a private university in Karachi on Saturday. The event was attended by senior members of the legal fraternity, including judges, lawyers, academics, and distinguished guests from various walks of life.
Addressing the audience at the launch ceremony, Justice (retd) Khan underscored the vital responsibility of judges in upholding justice without fear or favor. He emphasized that members of the judiciary must ensure the swift dispensation of justice and remain free from any external influence or authority, particularly from parties appearing before them. According to him, the credibility of the judicial system depends largely on the independence and integrity of judges, as well as their commitment to timely decisions.
The former chief justice shared that he decided to write his memoirs on the advice of close friends and colleagues who believed his long and eventful career in the judiciary should be documented. He explained that the book captures his personal experiences, observations, and reflections from decades of service in the legal field. Through his memoir, he seeks to provide readers with an inside perspective on the functioning of the judiciary and the challenges faced by judges over the years.
Justice (retd) Khan revealed that the book also recounts certain dramatic episodes from his life, including instances in which he narrowly escaped imprisonment. While he did not go into extensive detail during the ceremony, he indicated that these incidents reflect the pressures and trials he encountered during his professional journey. Such experiences, he suggested, highlight the resilience required to uphold principles in difficult circumstances.
Recalling his prolonged legal struggle for pension rights, the jurist spoke about filing a petition in 2014 and fighting the case for nearly 20 years before it reached resolution. He described the ordeal as both frustrating and revealing, as it exposed systemic inefficiencies and procedural delays that often plague the judicial system. His personal battle, he said, strengthened his belief in the urgent need for reforms to ensure justice is delivered without unnecessary delays.
Justice (retd) Khan also reflected on changes in judicial compensation over the years. He noted that at the time of his appointment in 1973, his salary was approximately Rs400, a modest amount compared to the substantially higher salaries received by judges today. His remarks drew attention to how the structure and benefits of judicial service have evolved over time.
Speaking on the occasion, Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput praised the book, describing it as a valuable addition to legal literature. He remarked that the autobiography reflects years of judicial experience and provides meaningful insights into the legal and constitutional landscape of the country. According to him, while many judicial memoirs often blur the line between factual accounts and personal opinions, Justice (retd) Khan’s work stands out for its clarity and distinction between the two.
Former Sindh governor Lt Gen (retd) Moin Uddin Haider also addressed the gathering and appreciated the author’s efforts in documenting his journey. He announced that a Sindhi translation of In Pursuit of Justice would be released in the coming days to make the book accessible to a wider audience.
Commenting more broadly on the persistent issue of delays in the justice system, Haider suggested that military courts could serve as a simpler and more efficient solution in certain cases, observing that many legal matters remain unresolved for years within the conventional court system.
The ceremony concluded with a book signing session and informal discussions among attendees, marking the launch as both a literary and legal milestone. Through In Pursuit of Justice, Justice (retd) Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan has offered readers a candid and reflective account of his life in law, shedding light on the triumphs, challenges, and enduring quest for justice within Pakistan’s judicial framework.
