LAHORE: The legal fraternity on Wednesday demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations about interference of agencies in judicial affairs leveled by six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).

Punjab Bar Council (PbBC) Vice Chairman Kamran Bashir Mughal and Chairman Executive Committee Imran Akram Bodla said the letter from the IHC judges was a matter of grave concern posing a question mark on the existence of a free and independent judiciary.

They demanded that the Supreme Court immediately take notice of the allegations leveled by the judges in the letter. They said the alleged interference by secret agencies in judicial matters was condemnable and unacceptable in any case. They said all judges should fulfil their duties according to the Constitution and the law, and take timely action against any interference in judicial matters by individuals or institutions.

They said an important meeting of the provincial bar council would be held on March 30 on this issue.

Speaking at a press conference, former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association Hamid Khan praised the courage and bravery of the six judges who wrote the letter, condemning any actions to obstruct their path.

He said the six judges boldly expressed their discontent with the interference of the agencies.

He regretted that the role of the IHC chief justice was not commendable and intelligence agencies exerted pressure on judges for specific decisions. Hamid Khan demanded that the SJC conduct an inquiry into the matter and ensure that those involved face accountability.

Lahore High Court Bar Association President Asad Manzoor Butt also spoke at the conference saying the country was going through a challenging time and the letter by the judges had significant importance in the national history.

He urged the CJP to play his role so that persons involved in the alleged intimidation of the judges could be brought to justice.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2024