Honoring with posthumous tribute to the pride of the nation, Justice (r) Ali Nawaz Chauhan. The nation is bereaved as an amiable, humble and down to earth personality like Justice (r) Ali Nawaz has left with so many unforgettable memories. His services to the country and internationally are highly applaudable. What makes his personality charismatic and different from others was his humaneness, humility and a kind heart serving justice. He is one of those Pakistanis who is not only known for his academic and legal career excellence at home but won international recognition by being an elected international jurist.

He had close affiliation with the Centre for Law and Security, Pakistan, owing to his presence to add glory to almost every event organized by it. He was a man with a heart of Gold and uttered words of law. He died at the age of 77 due to cardiac arrest in Rawalpindi.

Justice (r) Ali Nawaz Chauhan, comes from a long-list of eminent people who proudly serve their country with all heartedness and loyalty. He was born in Rawalpindi district of Punjab. His forefather, Chaudary Waris Khan Chauhan served as Vice president of Rawalpindi Municipality during pre-partition era. His father, Chaudary Mola Dad was the first one to be elected as the Muslim Mayor of Rawalpindi under British Empire and continued until Martial law was imposed in October 1958. He continued the legacy but in a different and different style. He chose to serve justice. He acted upon the fourth caliph of Islam, Hazrat Ali (R.A), as “Nothing can cause nations to flourish like justice.” His actions reflected his will to make his country flourish and prosper.

He commenced his legal career in 1977 as a district judge. He continued to carry out his legal studies side by side whilst dispensing justice at lower courts. He took diplomas in Shariah law and administrative law from Saudi Arabia and Columbia University, respectively. In 1999, he was appointed as an additional judge to the Lahore high Court and remained in position till 2005. There onwards, his exalted career started as an international jurist. He was appointed as Jurist from 2006-09 at International criminal tribunal- the Hague, with diplomatic status under UN Secretary General for prosecuting war criminals in the former Yugoslavia.

Although, he remained away from his country yet his love and passion for his country couldn’t left him. He remained legal consultant and adviser to the former President Asif Ali Zardari on administrative and international laws. Heading on with his legal career, he then headed UNESCO as an alternate Chairman of UNESCO Appeal Board in Paris in 2010. Alongside, he also served as Professor at Law School abroad and home. Lastly, he remained Former Justice of Gambia before winding-up his legal career abroad. As soon as he returned to Pakistan in 2015, he was appointed as the inaugural Chairman of the Committee on UNHCR. He did not stop there and continued to serve at the Pakistan Cabinet Division, Islamabad and National Institute of Public Administration, Lahore. His affiliation with Centre for Law and Security, Islamabad- holds special place at the heart of Centre for his revered presence on numerous occasions.

The Centre for Law and Security will always remember the esteemed presence of the noble Justice (r) Ali Nawaz Chauhan at high stature for giving his incredibly useful insights on various issues regarding Pakistan, Law and Lawfare. At a conference regarding Lawfare and Pakistan, he delivered his remarks on using Universal Jurisdiction as a tool for lawfare. At another event: Lawfare and Pakistan’s response, he added that Pakistan must develop its lawfare strategy modern-day warfare technique to deal with the issues like water and Kulbhushan Yadav. Moreover, he also attended the Consultative session organized by CLAS on Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police. Justice (retd.) was biggest advocate of Kashmiri and their freedom and stressed international bodies at various platforms to help ending human rights atrocities in Kashmir. He was the Honorary Chairman of Legal Forum for the Oppressed Voices of Kashmir. At the conference managed by CLAS-Illegal Transfer of Population to Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and International Law where he mentioned going to ICJ to tackle the issue of Indian atrocities held in Indian occupied Kashmir. He had been an active participant member of the Centre which it shall admire till end.

Pakistan would never forget the respect that this gentleman brought to his homeland. Despite having highest of professional legal positions in the world and at home, he always remained grounded, tender-hearted and amiable towards everyone but particularly to those associated with law. This is one of the reasons that connected him closely with Centre for Law and Security, likewise, Centre will always cherish his memories and dearly remember his services towards it as a flower spreading ever-lasting fragrance in its surroundings.