Former Chief Justice to Head Inquiry into IHC Judges’ Allegations

The federal cabinet has given the green light for the establishment of an inquiry commission to investigate allegations made by Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, with former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, appointed as its head. The commission, led solely by retired Justice Jillani, will investigate claims outlined in a letter submitted by the judges. The cabinet also approved the terms of reference (ToRs) for the commission, which is expected to deliver its report within 60 days.

During the cabinet meeting, officials and irrelevant individuals were asked to leave the room to discuss the matter of the judges’ letter. The Prime Minister was granted the authority to appoint the commission’s head, with full support from cabinet members. The inquiry was prompted by a letter sent by six IHC judges to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), urging a judicial convention to address alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs.

Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, emphasized during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that executive meddling in judicial matters would not be tolerated. This led to an agreement to form the inquiry commission. The judges’ letter followed a Supreme Court ruling declaring the removal of former IHC Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui illegal.

The Supreme Court held extensive discussions on the matter, including meetings with Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and representatives from legal associations. The consensus among the majority of the Full Court members led to the decision for the Chief Justice to meet with the Prime Minister.

During their meeting, Chief Justice Isa emphasized the importance of preserving judicial independence and proposed the formation of an inquiry commission, endorsed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The premier pledged to seek cabinet approval for the commission’s constitution, fully supporting the judiciary’s stance on non-interference.