ISLAMABAD: In response to allegations of interference in judicial affairs by intelligence officials, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) convened a full-court meeting, chaired by Chief Justice Aamir Farooq, to address the issue and propose necessary measures.
The meeting, held at the IHC building, saw the participation of prominent judges including Senior Puisne Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Minagul Hassan Aurangzeb, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejza Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz. Notably, the IHC registrar was absent due to the sensitive nature of the discussion.
During the two-hour meeting, the judges expressed their unanimous stance against any interference from intelligence agencies in judicial proceedings at all levels, including the high court, district courts, and special courts. They outlined a comprehensive proposal aimed at safeguarding the judiciary’s independence, which will be submitted to the Supreme Court by April 25 in response to a suo motu case on the matter.
To counter undue influence, the full court decided to reactivate empowered inspection teams and empower inspection judges to address complaints of interference and pressure from judicial officers. Additionally, the judges proposed amendments to bench formation rules, suggesting a system similar to the Practice and Procedure Act followed by the Supreme Court.
Dispelling any notion of division among the judges, participants emphasized their unwavering commitment to judicial independence and resisting intelligence agencies’ involvement in judicial affairs. They cited instances where intelligence operatives allegedly attempted to manipulate pending litigation in high-profile cases.
As a result of the full-court meeting, proceedings related to the cipher case were adjourned until Wednesday. The Supreme Court had initiated suo motu action following a letter from six IHC judges, highlighting intelligence agencies’ alleged interference in judicial matters and supporting calls for an investigation into the matter.
The judges’ letter underscored the gravity of the situation and emphasized the need for institutional measures to safeguard the judiciary’s integrity and independence from external influence.