SC Initiates Suo Moto Hearing On Judges’ Letter Against Spy Agency

Islamabad – The larger bench of the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has commenced suo moto proceedings on Wednesday regarding the letter from judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the intelligence agency.

Senior judges from the Islamabad High Court leveled accusations against the country’s top spy agency, alleging intimidation tactics aimed at influencing court decisions. This letter, signed by six out of eight members of the Islamabad High Court, prompted Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to convene an emergency meeting of all Supreme Court judges to address the issue.

Read more: Supreme Court Takes Suo Moto Over IHC Judges’ Letter

Responding to the situation, the apex court took suo motu notice of the letter on Monday and formed a bench comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan.

Under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, the Supreme Court of Pakistan holds the authority to initiate suo motu proceedings to address matters of public importance related to the enforcement of fundamental rights. This grants the court the power to summon individuals, government officials, or documents from government departments as needed.

Following a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and Chief Justice Isa, the federal cabinet approved the formation of an inquiry commission led by Chief Justice (retired) Jillani to investigate concerns of interference in judicial affairs. However, Justice (retired) Tasadduq Jillani, chosen to head the commission, recused himself from the single-member bench.