IHC Judges raise concerns over intelligence agency interference in judicial cases

ISLAMABAD: Six judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) have written a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) regarding interference by intelligence agencies in judicial cases.

The letter, sent by the judges to the Supreme Judicial Council, aims to draw attention to the infiltration of secret agencies into the judiciary and the undue influence exerted on judges.

The judges who penned the letter include Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ajaz Issa, Justice Arbab Muhammad Taher, and Justice Samina Rauf Atiq.

The letter alleges that pressures and attempts at coercion were made on judges in 2023 and 2024. It also highlights the case of former Chief Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who was dismissed from his position. An investigation into his alleged interference in judicial matters is underway.

The judges expressed concern about executive and agency interference in court affairs. They cited incidents such as the abduction of a brother of a High Court judge in May 2023 and the discovery of a secret camera in a judge’s residence.

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The letter calls for action against those who interfere with the judiciary and urges measures to combat contempt of court.

Despite the letter, no action has been taken by the Chief Justice of the High Court. Copies of the letter have been sent to members of the Supreme Judicial Council and High Court judges for review.