2024-03-29 11:02:33
islamabad: In a major development in Pakistan, six judges of Islamabad High Court have accused the country’s intelligence agency of illegitimate interference. Seeking the intervention of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), these judges have said that Pakistan’s powerful intelligence agencies (ISI) are preventing them from working independently and honestly. In such a situation, the Supreme Judicial Council should intervene to prevent interference in the functioning of the judiciary. Six judges of Islamabad High Court have expressed their views by writing a letter.
According to HT report, the letter signed by six judges of Islamabad High Court has demanded the introduction of a judicial convention against interference of agencies in judicial matters. The six judges who signed this letter written on March 25 include Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, Babar Sattar, Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan, Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz.
‘Independence of courts should be ensured’
The letter states, “We are writing this letter to seek guidance from the Supreme Judicial Council regarding the duties of a judge, which include reporting the actions of members of the executive, including operators of intelligence agencies.” Those who seek to interfere in the functioning of the court. This includes threats and various other methods. It highlights the interference of the executive and agencies in judicial matters, including the High Court, in order to put pressure on a judge in relation to a case. Including the kidnapping and torture of the judge’s brother-in-law.”
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The letter said that we also wish to point out that the code of conduct prescribed for judges by the SJC does not provide any guidance on how judges should respond to or report incidents that amount to intimidation and Interferes with judicial independence. The judges further said that they believe it is important to investigate and determine that this does not happen. The letter demands the SJC to adopt a strict stance to ensure the independence of the judiciary. The SJC is the highest body authorized to take action against judges of the High and Supreme Courts.