PTI Seeks Full Bench Excluding Chief Justice in Letter Case

The PTI has voiced discontent with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa’s handling of the Supreme Court’s suo motu proceedings concerning alleged intelligence agencies’ interference in the judiciary. The former ruling party has called for a full court, excluding the CJP, to convene and address the matter daily.

During a Wednesday press briefing, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan criticized the Supreme Court’s management of the case. He was accompanied by Gilgit-Baltistan’s former chief minister Khalid Khurshid and PTI Core Committee member Advocate Abuzar Salman Niazi.

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Hasan expressed concern over judicial meddling and criticized the spectacle created by the CJP during Tuesday’s court session. He advocated for a fair hearing by a full bench of sitting judges, excluding the CJP, to uphold impartiality and constitutional principles.

The controversy stems from a March 25 letter by six of the eight Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) chairman, Justice Isa, alleging coercion by spy agencies against judges. Despite the federal government forming an inquiry commission, the SC intervened, with a larger bench led by CJP Isa currently overseeing the case.

PTI’s Hasan highlighted the conflict of interest, noting the prime minister’s involvement as head of the executive branch, and urged punitive action against those responsible for interference. He criticized the CJP for dismissing concerns raised by other judges, suggesting a divergence in judicial perspectives.

At a recent hearing, CJP Isa emphasized the judiciary’s independence and noted internal interference challenges. Abuzar Niazi stressed the importance of judicial independence and criticized delays in addressing PTI’s petitions. Khalid Khurshid highlighted threats faced by judges and alleged disparities in treating political figures, questioning the justice system’s fairness.

The PTI leaders also addressed Labor Day initiatives and concerns over governance and rule of law enforcement.