The Supreme Court (SC) convened a full court session following demands from bar associations across Pakistan regarding a letter penned by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) alleging interference by spy agencies in judicial affairs.
Responding to the outcry, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa called for the full court session. Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar are scheduled to meet with CJP Isa and senior judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah at 2 pm at the Supreme Court.
Previously, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and CJP Isa discussed the concerns raised by the six IHC judges.
The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) voiced its support for the judges and emphasized the need for decisive action to address the alleged interference.
Similarly, the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) condemned any executive or intelligence agency interference in judicial functions and called for measures to safeguard judicial independence.
The Balochistan Bar Council expressed concern over the allegations and urged the apex court to take notice, while the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBAR) supported the judges’ letter and called for transparency and impartiality in judicial proceedings.
In response to the situation, a member of the Lahore High Court Bar Association petitioned the apex court for a high-powered inquiry commission to investigate the allegations. The petitioner stressed the importance of maintaining an independent and transparent judiciary.
The letter from the IHC judges highlighted concerns over intelligence agency interference, calling for a judicial convention to address the issue and protect judicial independence. The letter emphasized the need for institutional consultation to formulate mechanisms to hold accountable those who undermine judicial independence.
The matter underscores the importance of preserving the independence and integrity of the judiciary in Pakistan.
