Pak government creates committee to investigate allegations of interference in judicial matters by intelligence agencies

Islamabad, March 28 (IANS) – A crucial meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa was held to address the controversy sparked by sitting high court judges accusing intelligence agencies of interfering in judicial matters. The government has decided to form an inquiry commission to investigate the serious allegations.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar disclosed that the letter from the six high court judges will be presented to the federal cabinet for approval, and a retired senior Supreme Court judge will lead the inquiry committee. Chief Justice Isa requested the meeting, and Prime Minister Shehbaz rescheduled his day to accommodate it. The meeting lasted 1.5 hours, and a full court meeting will be convened to discuss the findings further.

Federal Law Minister Tarar stated, “We leave it for the Supreme Court to decide if the letter written by six IHC judges is in violation of the law and if action should be taken.” This is the first time judges of the Islamabad High Court have publicly accused intelligence agencies of meddling in judicial affairs, leading to calls for a thorough probe by the Attorney General of Pakistan.

The allegations in the letter primarily reference events from the tenure of the former chief justice of Pakistan. The unprecedented accusations raise concerns about serious consequences for both the intelligence agencies and the judges involved, as the findings of the inquiry commission could lead to accountability for any violations or interference uncovered.

The six IHC judges may face scrutiny and potential repercussions as their claims are investigated. With the allegations being highly severe, the powerful establishment in Pakistan may seek to make an example out of those pointing fingers at intelligence agencies. The situation remains tense as the probe unfolds, and the implications of the allegations reverberate within the judicial system.