IHC judges approach SC over spy agencies’ interference in judicial affairs

ISLAMABAD: Six judges from the Islamabad High Court have raised concerns with the higher judiciary body in Pakistan regarding alleged interference by personnel from intelligence agencies.

Responding to these concerns, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has called for a full court meeting, which is currently ongoing.

The letter detailed incidents of pressure being exerted on judges through the abduction and torture of their relatives, along with covert surveillance within their residences. It also questioned whether there is a state policy aimed at intimidating and coercing judges.

These judges also echoed the former IHC judge, Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s demand for an investigation into the alleged interference by operatives of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Subsequently, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) has called for a transparent inquiry by the CJP into the matter and urged legal action against those responsible. The association emphasized the importance of independent judicial decisions in accordance with the law and the Constitution.

Likewise, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) demanded immediate action against the intelligence agencies and personnel involved in such activities, advocating for their punishment for undermining constitutional principles and the rule of law. The LHCBA also called for swift action by the SJC against judges cooperating with these intelligence agencies, deeming such actions detrimental to the administration of justice.

Expressing strong condemnation for the alleged interference, the LHCBA emphasized that it poses a grave threat to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. Criticizing the response of both the current and former Chief Justices, the LHCBA urged CJP Qazi Faez Isa to ensure the protection of judges at all levels and create an environment conducive to dispensing justice without fear or bias.