The Supreme Court of Pakistan disclosed details of a Full Court meeting regarding a letter penned by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) highlighting alleged interference by intelligence agencies in judicial affairs.
In a subsequent press release, the Supreme Court stated, “The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) received a letter dated March 25, 2024, from six IHC judges on March 26, 2024. Given the seriousness of the allegations, the CJP convened a meeting on the same day with the Chief Justice and all IHC judges after Iftar at 8 pm at the CJP’s residence. Individual concerns of all judges were addressed in a meeting lasting over 2 and a half hours.
“On March 27, 2024, the CJP met with the Attorney-General and the Law Minister, followed by a meeting with the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and the senior most member of the Pakistan Bar Council in Islamabad. A full court meeting of all Supreme Court judges was held, chaired by the CJP, at 4 pm on the same day. The Full Court discussed the issues raised in the IHC judges’ letter.
“A consensus was reached among the majority of Full Court members that due to the gravity of the situation, the CJP should meet with the Prime Minister to discuss the issues raised. The meeting was adjourned.
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“On March 28, 2024, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Law Minister and Attorney-General, met with the CJP, Senior Puisne Judge, and Registrar of the Supreme Court at 2 pm. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half. The CJP firmly stated that Executive interference in judicial affairs would not be tolerated, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence in upholding the rule of law and democracy.
“During the meeting, a proposal was made to establish an Inquiry Commission under the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2017, to be headed by a retired Judge of impeccable integrity. The Prime Minister pledged to convene a Federal Cabinet meeting to approve the Commission’s formation. He endorsed the CJP’s views and assured further action to ensure an independent judiciary, including issuing directives to relevant departments and initiating legislation in accordance with Suo Moto No. 7/2017 (the Faizabad Dharna judgment).
“Following this, the CJP reconvened a Full Court meeting to brief the judges on discussions with the Prime Minister.”
