In response to allegations made by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges against interference in judicial affairs by the country’s intelligence apparatus, the federal government on Thursday announced to form an inquiry commission to probe into the matter.
The announcement came during a press conference held in Islamabad, featuring Attorney General Usman Anwar Mansoor and Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar.
Addressing the media, Azam Nazir Tarar disclosed that full-court session was convened by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa wherein the pressing issue of the judges' letter was extensively deliberated upon.
Read here: PM Sharif meets CJP Isa over IHC judges' letter controversy
"The chief justice expressed a keen interest in consulting with the Prime Minister on this matter," Tarar stated, adding that the Prime Minister promptly acceded to the Chief Justice's request, fostering an environment conducive to dialogue.
During the high-level meeting between the Chief Justice and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a spectrum of issues ranging from taxation matters to contentious letters were thoroughly examined, added the minister.
Tarar unequivocally asserted, "There will be no compromise on judicial independence," assuring the public of a meticulous investigation into the matter.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Tarar drew attention to previous instances where similar allegations had surfaced against the Prime Minister and his family. "If such incidents occur, they will be prevented in the future," he affirmed, underlining the government's commitment to upholding the sanctity of the judiciary.
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Furthermore, Tarar revealed that the federal cabinet is scheduled to convene tomorrow, during which the Prime Minister will present the issue of the judges' letter for deliberation. It is anticipated that a commission, established under the Commission of Inquiry Act, will be formed during the cabinet meeting, with a neutral individual appointed to head the inquiry commission.
Stressing the impartiality of the investigation, Tarar asserted that no external agencies would be permitted to interfere in the proceedings. The inquiry, he declared, would be helmed by a retired judge of impeccable reputation, with Terms of Reference (TORs) encompassing not only the recent letter but also pertinent past cases.
Responding to inquiries regarding the potential categorization of the judges' actions as misconduct, Tarar affirmed that such determinations would ultimately fall within the purview of the judiciary.
