Judicial Interference
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa asserted on Thursday that during his tenure, he has not received any grievances from high court judges regarding interference from other institutions in the judicial process.
Addressing the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA), Justice Isa emphasized that he had not received a single complaint from any high court judge about interference in their work since assuming the role of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Acknowledging the support extended by the SHCBA to six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) who had written to him, Justice Isa expressed gratitude on their behalf.
Last month, six IHC judges wrote a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) seeking guidance on the alleged interference of intelligence agencies in the courts’ affairs. The letter highlighted concerns about actions that qualify as intimidation and sought clarity on reporting such incidents.
In response, the apex court initiated suo motu proceedings and solicited proposals from various legal bodies and the federal government to address the issues raised in the letter.
Taking a firm stance against external interference in the judiciary, a full court meeting of the IHC unanimously resolved to provide an “institutional response” to any such interference.
Under Chief Justice Aamer Farooq’s leadership, the IHC full court meeting finalized proposals aimed at addressing concerns related to alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial matters, intending to submit them to the Supreme Court.
Justice Isa’s remarks underscore the importance of upholding judicial independence and addressing any attempts to undermine the judiciary’s autonomy, ensuring the integrity of the judicial process in Pakistan.
