In a strong move to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary, the full court of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has unanimously decided to provide an ‘institutional response’ to any external interference in its affairs. The decision was made during a meeting held on Tuesday, with Chief Justice Aamer Farooq presiding. The meeting was convened to finalize proposals to be submitted to the Supreme Court in connection with a matter related to alleged interference of spy agency personnel in judicial affairs.
Last month, six judges of the IHC wrote a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), seeking its guidance on the ‘interference’ of intelligence agencies in the courts’ affairs. The letter raised concerns about actions that seek to interfere with the discharge of judicial functions and qualify as intimidation.
In response to the letter, the apex court initiated suo motu proceedings and sought proposals from various stakeholders, including the Pakistan Bar Council, Supreme Court Bar Association, high courts, and the federal government. The suggestions were sought to address issues like the ones raised in the letter and ensure that such issues do not arise in the future or, if they do, to fix liability and proceed against those responsible.
According to sources, all the judges of the IHC unanimously suggested giving an ‘institutional response’ to meddling in judicial affairs. A draft comprising the proposals would be prepared and submitted to the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The apex court had sought the suggestions in this regard till April 25.
Meanwhile, the IHC registrar’s office issued a declaration, stating that the full court meeting was held with the CJ Farooq in the chair. All the judges of the high court attended the meeting. A unanimous stance of the IHC would be submitted before the apex court in the suo moto case.
