Allegations of judicial interference by intelligence agencies in Islamabad High Court (IHC) prompted a series of high-level meetings led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa.
The CJP demonstrably took these accusations seriously, convening a full court meeting and separate discussions with IHC judges, the Attorney General, Law Minister, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Following a comprehensive review of the IHC judges’ letter outlining their concerns, CJP Isa emphasized the paramount importance of judicial independence during his meeting with the Prime Minister. He stressed that any attempts by the executive branch to influence judicial matters would be met with resolute opposition.
The Prime Minister reportedly concurred with CJP Isa’s position, acknowledging the critical role of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law. He expressed his commitment to establishing an inquiry commission led by a highly respected retired judge to investigate the allegations. Additionally, the Prime Minister pledged to pursue further measures to safeguard judicial independence, including legislative initiatives.
These developments underscore the CJP’s proactive approach in addressing the sensitive issue of judicial interference. The proposed inquiry commission, if established, could provide crucial insights and potentially lead to reforms strengthening judicial autonomy in Pakistan.