The Supreme Court (SC) responded to a letter from six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, raising concerns about intelligence agencies’ interference in judicial affairs.
Emergency Session Scheduled
An urgent hearing is set for Wednesday at 11:30 AM, with all available judges at the Islamabad principal registry.
Composition of the Bench
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa will lead a seven-judge bench, including Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Yahya Afridi, Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Athar Minallah, Musarrat Hilali, and Naeem Akhtar Afghan.
Background and Initiative for Inquiry
Proposal by CJP Isa
CJP Isa, heading the committee, initiated the suo motu notice, supported by committee members Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar.
Appointment of Inquiry Commission
Following this, former Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani was appointed to lead an inquiry commission, addressing the alleged meddling by intelligence agencies in IHC affairs.
Procedural Developments
Origin of Concerns
Six IHC judges expressed concerns to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on March 27 regarding intelligence agencies’ interference.
Establishment of Commission
CJP Isa convened top court judges for a meeting, and subsequent discussions between PM Shehbaz and CJP Isa on March 28 led to the decision to establish an inquiry commission.
Cabinet’s Role
On March 30, the federal cabinet finalized the Terms of Reference (TORs) for the inquiry commission, addressing the concerns raised by the IHC judges.
Scope of the Inquiry
Terms of Reference
The commission’s mandate includes a comprehensive investigation into the allegations made by the IHC judges, determining their validity, and examining any direct involvement of officials in judicial interference.
