Commission to probe allegation of interference in judiciary affairs, says Tarar

ISLAMABAD: Following a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, it has been decided to establish a commission to investigate allegations raised by judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding interference by the country’s intelligence agencies in judicial affairs.

The discussion between the Prime Minister and CJP came after six judges of the IHC—Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz—petitioned the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to convene a judicial convention to address alleged interference by executive members, including intelligence agency personnel, in judicial matters.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, speaking at a press conference following the meeting, stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz assured CJP Isa of the government’s commitment to uphold the independence of the judiciary. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to investigate the matter under the supervision of an impartial judicial figure, potentially a retired judge of good standing, in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act.

Tarar further announced the decision in principle to form a commission, with the matter to be raised during the upcoming federal cabinet meeting. He stressed the seriousness of the judges’ letter, asserting that no institution should face interference and such matters must be thoroughly investigated.

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The judges’ letter highlighted the lack of guidance in the SJC’s code of conduct for judges on responding to and reporting incidents that compromise judicial independence and amount to intimidation.

In response to the letter, a full court meeting of the apex court was held in the federal capital to discuss the judges’ concerns and seek guidance from the SJC on the duty of judges to report and respond to actions by members of the executive, including intelligence agencies that undermine their official functions and constitute intimidation.

This meeting was convened by CJP Isa following demands from bar associations and senior lawyers for an inquiry into the letter, acknowledging the potential gravity of its implications for the country’s judiciary.

Additionally, a constitutional petition has been submitted to the apex court by Mian Dawood Advocate, urging for the establishment of an empowered commission to investigate the letter’s claims, which are deemed as premeditated.