Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday submitted adjournment motion in the National Assembly over the letter penned by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges against interference in judicial affairs by the country’s intelligence apparatu.
The draft motion highlighted the urgency for the National Assembly to delve into the contents of the judges' letter, asserting that both the state and the government have faltered in safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary.
Furthermore, it accentuates how the reported interference by undisclosed entities has not only impinged upon the fundamental rights of the former prime minister but also impacted millions of Pakistanis.
PTI urged a serious discussion on the matter, emphasizing the paramount importance of upholding judicial independence.
The backdrop to this motion stems from the correspondence initiated by six judges of the Islamabad High Court on the 27th of this month.
The judges, in their letter to the Supreme Judicial Council, raised concerns about alleged interference by intelligence agencies, citing undue influence on judicial proceedings by certain undisclosed forces.
Subsequent to a full court hearing presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faizaisa, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif sought a meeting with the Chief Justice, leading to the decision to establish an inquiry commission to probe the judges' allegations.
In response to these developments, the full court issued a declaration expressing confidence in the integrity of the inquiry commission and reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding judicial independence.
However, Federal Law Minister Nazir Tarar, in a press conference, announced the formation of an inquiry commission comprising a retired judge to investigate the claims made by the Islamabad High Court judges. The Terms of Reference (TORs) for the proposed commission are slated to be formulated post approval from the Cabinet.
