The government has established a judicial commission consisting of three senior judges to investigate the authenticity of recent audio leaks and their potential impact on the independence of the judiciary.
The notification issued by the government named Justice Qazi Faez Isa, senior judge of the Supreme Court, as the head of the commission. It also included Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court and Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan of the Balochistan High Court as members.
According to the notification, the commission has been instructed to promptly initiate an inquiry and conclude the investigation within 30 days. However, if more time is required, the federal government will grant an extension.
The commission’s focus will be on the recent round of audio leaks that surfaced this year and are related to the judiciary or involve current and former judges.
The series of audio leaks began last year, featuring private conversations of prominent government and opposition figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PTI Chairman Imran Khan, and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, which were shared on social media. However, the newly formed commission will specifically investigate the recent audio leaks related to the judiciary and involving sitting and former judges.
The leaked audios included conversations allegedly involving a sitting judge of the Supreme Court, leading to demands from the legal community for an investigation if the leaks were verified. Additional leaked conversations involving individuals related to top-ranking judges and politicians also stirred controversy and calls for thorough probes.
The government notification highlighted the widespread circulation of controversial audios on electronic, print, and social media platforms, raising serious concerns about the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the judiciary. It emphasized that when the independence of the judiciary is compromised, it undermines public trust and confidence in the administration of justice.
The notification further stated that the commission’s terms of reference include investigating any violations related to the administration of justice, the independence of the judiciary, the right to a fair trial, and the equality of citizens. Additionally, the commission will determine the authenticity of the leaked audios, identify those responsible for creating them if found to be fake or fabricated, and recommend appropriate actions.
The commission has been granted the powers provided by the Pakistani Commissions of the Inquiry Act 2017. The government has directed executive authorities at the federal and provincial levels to support the commission in carrying out its functions and to comply with any directives issued by the commission.
The formation of this judicial commission signifies the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and independence of the judiciary. The investigation aims to address public concerns, restore confidence in the judiciary, and ensure that justice is upheld for all citizens.
