Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif to Discuss Alleged Interference in Judicial Affairs by Intelligence Agencies with Chief Justice

Islamabad, March 28 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken a role as a mediator between the judiciary and the military establishment in Pakistan to avoid a potential clash. The open letter by Islamabad High Court judges on intelligence agencies’ interference has raised concerns about a rift between the two institutions.

PM Sharif, known for his ties to the military, is set to meet Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to discuss the letter and emphasize the importance of coordinated working mechanisms. The meeting will also include Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attorney General Mansoor Awaz to address the escalating situation.

The letter from the IHC judges, including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, highlighted the interference of intelligence agencies in judicial matters and called for a judicial convention to address the issue. The Supreme Court has already discussed the letter, with judges pointing fingers at the agencies for influencing court proceedings.

The controversy stems from a newfound confidence among judges to stand against the military establishment following recent events. The dismissal of a senior judge, Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, and his accusations of agency manipulation have further fueled the debate. Now, PM Sharif’s meeting with CJ Isa has raised concerns about potential manipulation of the judiciary’s response.

With the country’s largest political party accusing past manipulations of judicial proceedings, the timing of the meeting between PM Sharif and CJ Isa has sparked debates among senior lawyers. The focus remains on maintaining the judiciary’s independence and addressing the serious allegations raised by the IHC judges in their letter to the Supreme Court.

The ongoing debate on intelligence agencies’ interference in judicial matters has raised concerns about the civil-military relationship in Pakistan. As PM Shehbaz seeks to de-escalate tensions between the judiciary and the establishment, the outcome of the meeting with CJ Isa will play a crucial role in shaping the future dynamics between the two powerful institutions in the country.