In a damning exposé, Islamabad High Court (IHC) justices have revealed a troubling pattern of interference and intimidation by intelligence agencies, prompting urgent calls for action to safeguard judicial independence. The revelations, detailed in a letter addressed to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), highlight a disturbing trend of systemic coercion and subversion of due process within Pakistan’s judiciary.
The letter, signed by a coalition of concerned justices, sheds light on a series of alarming incidents involving undue pressure, intimidation, and even physical violence targeting members of the judiciary
The issue gained prominence following the landmark judgment in the case of Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui versus the Federation of Pakistan (C.P. No. 76 of 2018). The Supreme Court ruled that Justice Siddiqui, the senior puisne judge of the IHC, was wrongfully removed based on a report by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) dated 11.10.2018. Justice Siddiqui had raised public allegations of interference by operatives of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the functioning of the IHC and the Accountability Court Islamabad.
In a startling revelation, Islamabad High Court (IHC) justices have brought to light egregious instances of interference by intelligence agencies in the judiciary, sending shockwaves through Pakistan’s legal landscape. The disclosures, outlined in a letter addressed to the Supreme Judicial Council, underscore grave concerns regarding the erosion of judicial independence and the subversion of due process.
The incidents detailed in the letter paint a troubling picture of systemic coercion and intimidation targeting members of the judiciary. Among the alarming revelations are:
- Muhamad Sajid vs. Inran Ahmed Khas Niazi Case: ISI operatives purportedly exerted undue pressure on judges presiding over the case, manipulating judicial proceedings and undermining the impartiality of the judiciary.
- Abduction and Torture: A harrowing incident involving the abduction and torture of a close relative of an IHC judge by individuals claiming affiliation with intelligence agencies. The victim was subjected to physical abuse and coerced into making false statements, highlighting the brazen tactics employed to intimidate judicial officers.
- Intimidation of District Judiciary: Reports of widespread intimidation targeting judges within the district judiciary, including threats and violent attacks, have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of judicial officers at all levels of the legal system.
- Illegal Surveillance: Shocking revelations of clandestine surveillance operations conducted within the residences of IHC judges have sparked outrage and prompted calls for immediate action. Hidden cameras and recording devices were discovered, raising fears of pervasive privacy violations and compromising the integrity of judicial proceedings.
- Inadequate Response: Despite repeated appeals for intervention and protection, the judiciary’s pleas for assistance have largely gone unanswered, exacerbating fears of institutionalized interference and eroding trust in the judicial system.
The letter also highlights the judiciary’s previous attempts to address these issues, including two separate letters sent to Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, Justice Amir Farooq, on May 10, 2023, and February 2023. Despite these appeals for intervention, no action was taken, exacerbating fears of institutionalized interference and erosion of judicial independence.
In light of these alarming developments, the IHC justices have called for urgent measures to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the rule of law. Their demands include:
- A comprehensive investigation into allegations of intelligence agency interference, with a focus on identifying and holding accountable those responsible for undermining judicial autonomy.
- Immediate implementation of robust security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of judicial officers and their families in the face of escalating threats and intimidation tactics.
- Institutional reforms aimed at strengthening judicial oversight mechanisms and fortifying the judiciary against external pressures and undue influence.
- Transparent and impartial adjudication of cases involving allegations of misconduct or interference, with strict adherence to due process and the principles of natural justice.
The revelations contained within the letter have sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s legal community, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to preserve the integrity and independence of the judiciary. As the nation grapples with the fallout from these disturbing disclosures, all eyes are now turned to the Supreme Judicial Council for swift and resolute action to address this crisis and restore public confidence in the judiciary.
In a startling revelation, Islamabad High Court (IHC) justices have brought to light egregious instances of interference by intelligence agencies in the judiciary, sending shockwaves through Pakistan’s legal landscape. The disclosures, outlined in a letter addressed to the Supreme Judicial Council, underscore grave concerns regarding the erosion of judicial independence and the subversion of due process.
The incidents detailed in the letter paint a troubling picture of systemic coercion and intimidation targeting members of the judiciary. Among the alarming revelations are:
- Muhamad Sajid vs. Inran Ahmed Khas Niazi Case: ISI operatives purportedly exerted undue pressure on judges presiding over the case, manipulating judicial proceedings and undermining the impartiality of the judiciary.
- Abduction and Torture: A harrowing incident involving the abduction and torture of a close relative of an IHC judge by individuals claiming affiliation with intelligence agencies. The victim was subjected to physical abuse and coerced into making false statements, highlighting the brazen tactics employed to intimidate judicial officers.
- Intimidation of District Judiciary: Reports of widespread intimidation targeting judges within the district judiciary, including threats and violent attacks, have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of judicial officers at all levels of the legal system.
- Illegal Surveillance: Shocking revelations of clandestine surveillance operations conducted within the residences of IHC judges have sparked outrage and prompted calls for immediate action. Hidden cameras and recording devices were discovered, raising fears of pervasive privacy violations and compromising the integrity of judicial proceedings.
- Inadequate Response: Despite repeated appeals for intervention and protection, the judiciary’s pleas for assistance have largely gone unanswered, exacerbating fears of institutionalized interference and eroding trust in the judicial system.
In light of these alarming developments, the IHC justices have called for urgent measures to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the rule of law. Their demands include:
- A comprehensive investigation into allegations of intelligence agency interference, with a focus on identifying and holding accountable those responsible for undermining judicial autonomy.
- Immediate implementation of robust security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of judicial officers and their families in the face of escalating threats and intimidation tactics.
- Institutional reforms aimed at strengthening judicial oversight mechanisms and fortifying the judiciary against external pressures and undue influence.
- Transparent and impartial adjudication of cases involving allegations of misconduct or interference, with strict adherence to due process and the principles of natural justice.
The revelations contained within the letter have sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s legal community, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to preserve the integrity and independence of the judiciary. As the nation grapples with the fallout from these disturbing disclosures, all eyes are now turned to the Supreme Judicial Council for swift and resolute action to address this crisis and restore public confidence in the judiciary.
