The Supreme Court of Pakistan resumed its inquiry on Tuesday regarding alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial matters. Chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, the six-member bench reconvened to address concerns raised by judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
In a letter dated March 25, six judges from the IHC urged Chief Justice Isa to convene a judicial convention to address the purported interference of intelligence operatives in judicial functions. The judges, including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Babar Sattar, highlighted instances that they believed undermined the judiciary’s independence.
The letter, directed to Chief Justice Isa in his capacity as chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), sought clarity on judges’ obligations to report and address executive interference, particularly from intelligence agencies. The judges emphasized the need for guidelines regarding reporting such incidents, both in relation to their own duties and those of their colleagues.
Prompted by this correspondence, the Supreme Court initiated a suo motu notice on April 1, forming a seven-member bench under Chief Justice Isa’s leadership to investigate the matter. However, during the initial hearing on April 3, Justice Afridi opted to recuse himself from the proceedings, citing Article 184(3) of the Constitution.
The continuation of these hearings underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding its independence and ensuring transparency in the face of alleged external pressures. As the inquiry progresses, stakeholders await further insights into the delicate balance between judicial autonomy and external influences.
