Bar associations across Pakistan, including those in Sindh, Lahore, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have joined senior lawyers in demanding a thorough investigation into allegations of interference by spy agencies in the judiciary. The outcry follows the revelation of a letter written by six Islamabad High Court judges to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), highlighting concerns over external influence on judicial proceedings.
In an emergency meeting, the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) scrutinized the contents of the letter penned by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges. The SHCBA has called for the establishment of a three-member judicial commission, comprising Supreme Court judges, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. The association emphasized that any interference in judicial affairs poses a direct threat to the integrity of the legal system.
Similarly, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association expressed solidarity with the judiciary’s independence and autonomy, stressing the importance of public confidence in the justice system. The association condemned any attempts to undermine the judiciary’s credibility and called for swift action to address the issue.
Echoing these sentiments, the Lahore Bar Association condemned the reported interference in judicial decisions, urging authorities to take decisive action against those responsible. The association emphasized the need for the Chief Justice of Pakistan to ensure the safety and security of judges, enabling them to dispense justice without fear or intimidation.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council raised reservations regarding the alleged interference, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and the constitution. The council denounced any attempts to compromise the independence of the judiciary and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Legal experts and political figures have also weighed in on the controversy, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hamid Khan emphasizing the significance of the judges’ letter and calling for a transparent investigation. Similarly, legal expert Ashtar Ausaf urged the Chief Justice to promptly address the issue within the judiciary.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan described the letter as a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s judicial history and urged authorities to take decisive action to restore public trust in the judiciary. He emphasized the need to protect judges seeking an inquiry and their families from any potential repercussions.
The letter, authored by six IHC judges, highlights the need for the Supreme Judicial Council to address concerns regarding the alleged interference of intelligence agencies in judicial affairs. The judges underscored the importance of preserving judicial independence and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the matter to uphold the integrity of the legal system.
As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of these revelations, the legal community and political leaders alike are calling for accountability and transparency to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law.
