Govt Decides To Probe Judges’ Spy Agencies Allegations

Islamabad – The federal government has opted to establish a commission to investigate the accusations brought forth by judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding purported interference by intelligence agencies in the judiciary.

Federal Law Minister Azam Tarar disclosed this decision following a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa. Tarar, accompanied by Attorney General for Pakistan Usman Mansoor Awan, implied that the government intends to appoint a respected former judge to head the commission, indicating the prime minister’s preference for a single-member commission.

Read more: PM Shehbaz To Meet CJP Isa On March 28 Over IHC Judges‘ Letter

Tarar emphasized that the federal government will probe the allegations raised by the high court judges, with the terms of reference (TORs) for the commission to be determined in consultation with the Attorney General.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister held an extensive meeting with the chief justice to discuss the letter penned by IHC judges to the CJP concerning intelligence agencies.

Senior judges of the Islamabad High Court submitted a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) urging an investigation into the allegations against the military intelligence agency.

Following these revelations, Pakistan’s chief justice summoned a full panel of 15 Supreme Court judges for a meeting to deliberate on the accusations.

Prime Minister Sharif, along with the Law Minister, Attorney General, and other officials, are scheduled to meet Chief Justice Isa and Senior Puisne Judge Syed Mansoor Ali Shah at 2 pm at the apex court.

Additionally, the Attorney General and Law Minister held discussions with Justice Isa before the full-court meeting on Wednesday, expressing concerns about the timing of the letter.

Local media reports indicate that the prime minister is expected to request Chief Justice Isa to conduct an inquiry into the allegations made by IHC judges and former judge Shaukat Siddiqui.