Chief Justice of Pakistan Responds to Allegations of Judicial Interference

In a recent address at the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA), Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa refuted claims of judicial interference, asserting that he had not received any grievances from high court judges regarding external meddling in the judicial process. Justice Isa emphasized that during his tenure as Chief Justice, no complaints had been reported to him, highlighting the absence of interference during his watch.

The unanimous decision taken at this meeting underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding its independence and integrity.

Acknowledging the support extended by the SHCBA to six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) who wrote to him, Justice Isa expressed gratitude on their behalf. The letter, penned by IHC judges, sought guidance from the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) concerning alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs.

Following the initiation of suo motu proceedings by the apex court on the matter, various legal bodies including the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) were tasked with proposing institutional responses to address the concerns raised by the IHC judges. The court urged these entities to recommend measures to prevent future interference and hold those responsible accountable.

In response to mounting concerns over external influence, the IHC convened a full court meeting, chaired by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, to devise institutional responses to combat external interference in judicial matters. The unanimous decision taken at this meeting underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding its independence and integrity.

The deliberations at both the SHCBA event and the subsequent IHC meeting underscore the judiciary’s resolve to address concerns of interference and uphold the sanctity of the judicial process in Pakistan.