ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday released details of a Full Court meeting continued for two days concerning alleged interference by intelligence agencies in the judiciary’s affairs, raised by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
In the full court declaration, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa said that executive interference in judicial affairs and the functioning of judges would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The press release issued on Thursday evening read that the apex court discussed the letter received from six IHC judges received on March 26.
The following day, March 27, CJP convened meetings with the Attorney-General, Law Minister, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and senior members of the Pakistan Bar Council. A Full Court Meeting of all Supreme Court Judges was then called to deliberate on the issues raised in the IHC judges’ letter.
A consensus emerged among the majority of the Full Court members, leading to a decision for the CJP to meet with the Prime Minister to address the concerns raised, read the statement.
On March 28, the premier accompanied by relevant officials, met with CJP and Senior Puisne Judge at the Supreme Court.
During this meeting, the CJP reiterated that executive interference in judicial matters would not be tolerated.
In the meeting, a proposal was made to establish an Inquiry Commission, headed by a retired Judge of impeccable integrity, under the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2017.
The Prime Minister pledged to seek Federal Cabinet approval for the Commission’s formation and endorsed measures to ensure an independent judiciary, including legislative initiatives.
“The Prime Minister fully endorsed the views expressed by the CJP and Senior Puisne Judge and further assured them that he will be taking other appropriate measures to ensure an independent judiciary, including issuance of directions to the relevant departments, and initiating legislation in accordance with paragraph 53 of Suo Moto No. 7/2017 (the Faizabad Dharna judgment). Thereafter, in continuation of the last meeting, the CJP again called a Full Court meeting and briefed the Judges on what had transpired at the meeting with the Prime Minister.” read the Supreme Court press release.
