Former Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani appointed on Saturday as a head of an inquiry commission formed to probe allegations of interference into judicial independence by intelligence agencies.
This move comes after six judges from the Islamabad High Court raised concerns about pressure tactics, including abduction and torture of relatives, and secret surveillance within their homes.
In response to mounting calls for an investigation, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa convened a full court meeting of Supreme Court judges. Following discussions between Chief Justice Isa and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was decided to form a commission to probe the matter, with the cabinet’s approval.
The commission, according to its Terms of Reference (TORs), will investigate the claims made by the IHC judges and ascertain their validity. It will also examine any direct involvement of officials in judicial interference and recommend appropriate action against implicated agencies or institutions. Additionally, the commission has the authority to delve into other pertinent issues that may arise during its inquiry.
While the federal cabinet dismissed the allegations leveled by the IHC judges as “inappropriate,” Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated his support for judicial independence and the separation of constitutional powers.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat criticized the appointment of former Chief Justice Jillani to head the commission, vowing to challenge its formation.
Expressing concern over executive interference in judicial affairs, Chief Justice Isa emphasized the judiciary’s independence and declared zero tolerance for such meddling. The Supreme Court issued a statement outlining the need for an impartial inquiry, suggesting the establishment of a commission led by a retired judge of unimpeachable integrity.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, advocating for an inquiry to prevent future occurrences. However, he remained non-committal on whether the IHC judges would testify before the commission.
In a separate development, the PTI called for the resignation of both the SC and IHC chief justices, accusing them of ignoring complaints about intelligence agencies’ interference in judicial matters.
PTI spokesperson Raoof Hassan accused Chief Justice Isa and IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of turning a blind eye to repeated grievances from IHC judges regarding ISI’s alleged meddling.
