Legal Fraternity Unites: Support Pours in for IHC Judges

In a significant development, over 300 lawyers from various bar associations nationwide have rallied behind the judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), praising their bold move to address alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs. The lawyers are now calling upon the Supreme Court to intervene under Article 184(3) of the Constitution to address this critical issue.

The six judges of the IHC, including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani and Justice Babar Sattar, recently penned a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), urging it to convene a judicial convention to investigate claims of intelligence agencies meddling in judicial matters. This courageous step has garnered widespread support from legal circles across the country.

They commend the judges’ courage and demand decisive action to uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Following the IHC’s initiative, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa held discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, resulting in the decision to establish an inquiry commission led by a retired judge of impeccable integrity. This move underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation.

The legal community, represented by prominent advocates including Salman Akram Raja and Imaan Mazari, has issued a joint statement endorsing the IHC’s stance and expressing solidarity with the judges. They commend the judges’ courage and demand decisive action to uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Moreover, the statement highlights the case of former IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who faced similar allegations and was removed from office without due process. It emphasizes the importance of conducting an impartial inquiry into these allegations to uphold the principles of justice and transparency.

In light of these developments, the lawyers are urging the Pakistan Bar Council and all bar associations to convene a convention of lawyers to devise a collective strategy to safeguard the independence of the judiciary.

They also call upon the Supreme Court to take cognizance of the matter under Article 184(3) and ensure transparent proceedings that uphold public confidence in the judiciary. The lawyers advocate for live telecast of the proceedings to prevent politicization and ensure accountability.

As tensions escalate over allegations of interference in the judiciary, the legal community’s united front underscores the significance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of the judicial system. It is imperative for the Supreme Court to act swiftly and decisively to address these concerns and restore public trust in the judiciary.