Various laweyers bodies and PTI demanded an investigation into allegations made by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) concerning interference in judicial affairs by the country’s intelligence agencies.
In a startling development, six out of eight IHC judges penned a letter addressed to members of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), detailing attempts to pressure judges through the abduction and torture of their relatives, as well as covert surveillance within their residences.
The letter, directed to esteemed members of the SJC, including Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar, and IHC CJ Aamer Farooq, along with Peshawar High Court CJ Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, also questioned the existence of a state policy to “intimidate” and coerce judges.
In a show of support for former IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s demand for an inquiry into the alleged interference by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operatives, the six judges backed the call.
The IHC Bar Association (IHCBA) echoed the sentiments, urging the CJP to conduct a “transparent inquiry” into the matter and take legal action against those involved. The association condemned the intrusion of one institution into the affairs of another and emphasized the importance of independent judicial decisions in accordance with the law and Constitution.
Similarly, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) demanded immediate action against intelligence agencies and personnel implicated in such activities, stressing the preservation of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) called upon CJP Isa to initiate a suo motu inquiry under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, advocating for a comprehensive and transparent hearing of the case. Additionally, the SCBA urged scrutiny into the allegations and underscored the imperative of a judiciary free from coercion or undue influence.
The Balochistan Bar Council joined the chorus, urging CJP Isa to take suo motu notice of the allegations and convened a conference to devise a course of action.
Amidst these calls, a statement attributed to former Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored the gravity of the situation, calling for an impartial inquiry into the matter. The statement highlighted concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary and the credibility of court judgments, particularly in light of recent events.
In a press conference, PTI’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan emphasized the need to ensure the safety of the judges and their families while advocating for a judicial commission to conduct an inquiry.
