Justice Athar Minallah emphasized the state’s duty to protect judges and the independence of the judiciary during a Supreme Court hearing regarding allegations of interference by the country’s security apparatus in judicial matters. The hearing, presided over by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, included justices Minallah, Mansoor Ali Shah, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Musarrat Hilali, and Naeem Akhtar Afghan.
Six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges had raised concerns about interference, including abduction and torture of relatives, and secret surveillance. The judges requested the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to investigate these allegations. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu notice of the matter.
During the hearing, Justice Minallah referred to the judges’ letter as a “charge sheet,” highlighting continuous meddling and intimidation alleged by the IHC judges. The court ordered the bar councils and associations, who were petitioners, to submit a response by May 7. The court emphasized the need to protect judicial independence and noted the importance of empowering high courts to address such issues internally.
The judges also called for a judicial convention to discuss interference by intelligence officials and its impact on judicial independence. The Supreme Court stressed the need for a clear system to address such incidents and protect the judiciary. The hearing was adjourned to May 7.
