The Supreme Court of Pakistan has initiated proceedings on a suo motu case concerning alleged interference in the judiciary, prompted by a letter from six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the matter.
Led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, a six-member larger bench is currently hearing the case. The bench includes Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Jamal Mandokhel, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Musarrat Hilali, and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan.
Alongside the primary case, the bench will also consider 11 separate pleas seeking to join the proceedings as parties. Notable petitioners include Shehbaz Khosa, representatives of the Pakistan Bar, as well as Islamabad and Sindh High Court Bars, Balochistan lawyer organizations, and Mian Dawood.
These petitions collectively call for an investigation into the purported interference in the judicial process.
Chief Justice Isa emphasized the importance of judicial independence, stating, “We will ensure the independence of this court,” and underscored the need to protect the judiciary from both internal and external attacks.
The court ordered the suggestions made by the Islamabad High Court public, emphasizing transparency in the proceedings. The Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, disclosed the recommendations in court.
The Lahore High Court’s suggestions were also presented, including proposals to curb executive intervention in the judiciary and amend the Code of Conduct for district and high court judges.
The judges acknowledged the gravity of the situation, with Justice Minallah stressing the need to address the points raised by the Islamabad High Court judges regarding ongoing interference.
The bench also discussed proposals from the district judiciary, emphasizing actions to identify and counter interference, as well as mechanisms for reporting and addressing such instances.
Justice Minallah highlighted the historical context of interference in the judiciary, noting that while the culture has persisted for decades, there have been periods where interference was successfully resisted.
Chief Justice Isa emphasized his commitment to safeguarding judicial independence and urged those unable to withstand pressure to refrain from judicial positions.
The proceedings underscore the judiciary’s resolve to address allegations of interference and uphold its independence in Pakistan’s legal landscape.
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