The Lahore High Court has taken a bold step towards safeguarding judicial independence in Pakistan, ordering the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to stop intelligence agencies and the military from approaching judges. This directive comes in response to concerns raised by several judges regarding alleged interference and pressure exerted by the country’s powerful military and intelligence establishment.
For much of its history, Pakistan has been under the influence of the military. Even when not directly in power, the military maintains a significant presence in the country’s affairs, controlling security and foreign policies and wielding considerable influence in domestic matters.
Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court issued the order, directing the PMO to instruct all government agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to refrain from contacting judges. This decision follows a complaint filed by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge in Punjab, alleging harassment by intelligence agency officials.
The order emphasizes the need for strict adherence to judicial independence, ensuring that judges can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or undue influence. It specifically addresses the issue of judges being approached or contacted by intelligence agencies, emphasizing that this practice must cease.
Justice Karim further highlighted the responsibility of the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, for ensuring the security and independence of the judiciary, stating that the intelligence agencies fall under his command. He also stressed the importance of implementing security measures at ATCs, in consultation with the concerned judges.
To further protect judges from harassment, Justice Karim directed ATC judges in Punjab to install call-recording applications on their phones. This measure aims to provide evidence in case of attempts to influence or pressure them through phone calls.
The Lahore High Court’s order represents a significant step in addressing concerns regarding the interference of intelligence agencies and the military in judicial proceedings. It underscores the importance of a truly independent judiciary in a democratic society, free from external pressures and influences.
