An application has been filed with the Supreme Court to form a commission to investigate the allegations stemming from a letter written by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to the Supreme Judicial Council.
The application, submitted by Mian Dawood Advocate, calls for a thorough inquiry into the allegations levelled in the judges' letter through a high-level commission, and urges strict action against any individuals found guilty.
The letter, reportedly penned by six judges of the IHC, expressed concerns regarding their inability to work without fear and danger. It also requested the transfer of important cases from the Islamabad High Court to other provincial high courts, citing an alleged inability of IHC judges to handle sensitive matters like justice delivery.
The application also mentions that several significant cases of political nature were also pending before the IHC, which should be transferred to other provincial high courts. "The letter apparently tries to convey the same impression as the PTI narrative. After the judges' letter came out, the PTI also launched a social media campaign," the application states further.
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Furthermore, it says, the PTI continued to distrust the chief justices of the high court and the Supreme Court. It adds that on the basis of the judges' letter, a campaign has been launched again against the two chief justices.
The federal government and six judges of the Islamabad High Court have been named as parties in the petition submitted to the Supreme Court. The petition argues that the judges' letter contains general allegations and only references one specific case, potentially creating a misleading impression. "An attempt has been made to reduce the independence of the judiciary and undermine public trust," it adds.
The letter gave the impression that the executive was influencing cases against the PTI, the application argues. However, records can prove that the Islamabad High Court has granted relief to PTI members, including former prime minister Imran Khan in three cases. The IHC stopped authorities from arresting the former premier in any case.
The high court dismissed the cipher trial against Imran Khan and sent the matter back to the trial court, the application mentions, adding that the PTI founder was living a luxurious life in Adiala Jail.
It further says that the Lahore High Court also gave relief to Imran Khan in several cases, adding that it is a judicial tradition that when a judge is approached, he excuses himself from the case.
