KARACHI, Pakistan: The former Supreme Court Judge Justice (retd) Rana Bhagwandas has died of cardiac arrest in Karachi on Monday morning at the age of 73.
Justice (retd) Bhagwandas, who also remained the acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, was under treatment for a heart ailment at a private hospital at the time of his passing.
The former SC judge was the first Hindu and the second non-Muslim head of Pakistan’s judiciary and had been a Supreme Court judge since February 2000.
President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Sardar Muhammad Raza, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan issued condolence messages expressing grief and sorrow over the demise of Rana Bhagwandas.
Meanwhile, a federal cabinet presided over by the prime minister in Islamabad, observed one minute silence over the demise of former SC judge Rana Bhagwandas.
In his remarks, the prime minister appreciated the services of Rana Bhagwandas for rule of law in the country. He said that Rana Bhaghwandas was a man of principles who had firm faith in democracy and the rule of law.
The meeting was held to discuss matters pertaining to power and gas projects. It will review implementation of national action plan on terrorism and discuss overall law and order situation.
The cabinet meeting will also discuss matters relating to economy.
