- SCBA, IHCBA, LHCBA, SHCBA hold meetings to renew commitment to upholding the rule of law
ISLAMABAD: The top lawyers bodies of the country, including the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the Islamabad and the Lahore High Court Bar associations, and the Lahore Bar Association on Wednesday called for a transparent inquiry into the letter penned by six judges, citing “serious interference in judicial matters,” by the officials of the intelligence agencies.
The demand for a transparent inquiry by the prominent Bar Associations underscores the significance of upholding judicial independence and ensuring the integrity of the justice system. As the issue unfolds, stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of upholding constitutional principles and safeguarding the autonomy of the judiciary.
On Tuesday, six judges of the Islamabad High Court, including Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, wrote a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), pointing out “interference” in the judicial affairs.
The letter highlights the “interference of executive and agencies” in the judicial matters, demanding initiation of a judicial convention against brazen interference in the judicial affairs.
It also advocates for adopting a stance to ensure the judiciary’s independence through the convention.
Furthermore, the judges have urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and the IHC chief justice to take action against those involved in interference.
Reacting to the alleging ‘interference’ in court proceedings cited by the honourable judges, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Shahzad Shoukat stressed the commitment to upholding the rule of law. He expressed strong displeasure over the incident mentioned in the judges’ letter.
“Interference in the judiciary is not only condemnable but also warrants decisive action,” said the SCBA president in a statement.
Reiterating the belief in the independence of the judiciary, the SCBA president emphasised that any actions perceived as undermining this independence would not be accepted by the association.
The Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) president and secretary convened an emergent meeting and asked all members to participate in it.
During meeting chaired by IHCBA President Ali Azad, the participants emphasized the necessity of a transparent investigation into the matter.
The Association expressed deep concern over the letter addressed to the Supreme Judicial Council, asserting that judicial independence and autonomy were fundamental pillars of the Constitution.
The IHCBA underscored the crucial link between public trust in the justice system and the independence of the judiciary. It emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional principles to ensure the fair and impartial dispensation of justice.
The Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), in response to the Islamabad judges’ letter to the SJC, also convened a meeting and lauded the judges. Bar president Asad Manzoor said the lawyers stood by the judges.
The LHCBA issued a statement, condemning the lack of action by the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court to safeguard its judges. Strongly denouncing any interference or influence, the Lahore Bar Association demanded immediate action against individuals from sensitive institutions who allegedly violated constitutional and legal norms. The Association highlighted the importance of judicial independence in safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring unbiased decision-making.
Furthermore, the Sindh High Court Bar Association convened an emergency meeting to review the letter penned by Islamabad High Court judges. The Association called for the formation of a judicial commission comprising three Supreme Court judges to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Expressing concern over institutional interference in judicial affairs, the Sindh Bar Association stressed that such actions undermine the impartiality of the judiciary and the integrity of the legal system.
