By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa hinted at the possibility of convening a full Supreme Court bench to address allegations of interference and intimidation by military intelligence agencies in judicial decisions, as claimed by six high court judges.
The judges of the Islamabad High Court, in a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council, accused the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of coercing them into favorable rulings, particularly in political cases, including one involving the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
They cited instances of relatives being abducted and homes surveilled.
The Supreme Court, responding to these serious allegations, initiated suo motu proceedings and began hearings with a seven-member bench.
“We may constitute a full court next time after consultation [among judges],” Chief Justice Isa said during the hearing. “We are taking this matter very seriously… If there is any kind of attack on the judiciary’s independence, I would be at the frontline, and for sure, my fellow judges would be standing with me in this.”
Justice Isa assured the IHC judges that no misconduct proceedings would ensue for raising these concerns. “There is zero tolerance on the independence of the judiciary.”
Fellow Justice Athar Minallah highlighted the state’s “normalization of a culture of deviance,” while Justice Mansoor Ali Shah advocated for a “stringent code” to safeguard judicial independence.
“What they [six IHC judges] have pointed out is a normalization of a culture of deviance on the part of the state. That is the question which is of public importance,” Justice Minallah said.
Justice Shah said things have been happening and “we cannot sit burying our heads in the sand like ostriches”. “It is our duty to maintain the independence of the judiciary, we have to lay down a stringent code which ensures that such interference doesn’t take place.”
Attorney-General Mansoor Usman Awan assured the court of the government’s full support in the case and reiterated its resolve to uphold the independence of the judiciary.
The Chief Justice has postponed the matter until April 29, hinting at the formation of a full court to address the case.
Pakistan’s military has historically wielded significant influence over the nation’s politics, with periods of direct rule. Both Khan and senior politician Sharif have accused the military of orchestrating their political downfalls, allegations the army denies, maintaining its non-interference stance.
The military has yet to comment on the recent claims of ISI’s alleged meddling and intimidation tactics.
The judges, from the Islamabad High Court, have formally accused the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of pressuring them to deliver favorable verdicts in politically sensitive cases, including those involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned. The allegations include instances of family abductions and surveillance of their residences.
In response, the Supreme Court has initiated suo motu proceedings, with a seven-member bench commencing hearings. “We may constitute a full court next time after consultation [among judges],” stated Chief Justice Isa, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “If there is any kind of attack on the judiciary’s independence, I would be at the frontline, and I am confident my fellow judges would stand with me.”
Justice Isa reassured the IHC judges that their concerns would not lead to misconduct proceedings, affirming a zero-tolerance stance on judicial independence. Justice Athar Minallah condemned the state’s acceptance of deviant behavior, while Justice Mansoor Ali Shah called for a robust framework to protect judicial autonomy.
Attorney-General Mansoor Usman Awan has pledged the government’s unwavering support in preserving the judiciary’s autonomy.
The Chief Justice has postponed the matter until April 29, hinting at the formation of a full court to address the case.
Pakistan’s military has historically wielded significant influence over the nation’s politics, with periods of direct rule. Both Khan and senior politician Sharif have accused the military of orchestrating their political downfalls, allegations the army denies, maintaining its non-interference stance. The military has yet to comment on the recent claims of ISI’s alleged meddling and intimidation tactics.
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