Report by Syed Atiq ul Hassan, 26 March 2024
In a striking display of courage and integrity, six esteemed judges of the Islamabad High Court have penned a compelling letter to the Supreme Judicial Council, shedding light on the egregious
interference of intelligence agencies in the judiciary’s functioning. The letter serves as a distress signal, meticulously outlining instances of intimidation, harassment, abduction, torture, and blackmail targeting both judges and their families. Moreover, it underscores the alarming erosion of judicial independence and the consequential threat to the legitimacy of court decisions over the past two years, particularly following a regime change operation that ushered in an illegitimate, authoritarian regime.
Key Points in the letter:
Blatant Interference: The judges’ letter unequivocally exposes the brazen and brutal meddling of intelligence agencies in judicial affairs, compromising the foundational principles of justice and the rule of law.
Incidents of Coercion: Detailed accounts of intimidation, harassment, abduction, torture, and blackmail vividly illustrate the pervasive climate of fear that has permeated the judiciary, endangering the safety and security of judges and their loved ones.
Call for Action: Urging the Supreme Judicial Council to take immediate and decisive action, the judges underscore the imperative of restoring judicial independence and safeguarding the sanctity of the judiciary from external influences.
Documentation of Concerns: The submission of previous letters addressed to Chief Justice Justice Aamer Farooq underscores the persistent efforts made by the judges to address these grave concerns internally, now escalating the matter to the highest echelons of judicial authority.
Consequences of Interference: The judges emphasize the profound implications of unchecked interference on the fairness and integrity of court decisions, highlighting the plight of innocent Pakistanis unjustly detained in both civil and military prisons.
Appeal for Justice and Democracy: In a resounding plea, the judges advocate for the immediate release of wrongfully incarcerated individuals and underscore the paramount importance of upholding justice, the rule of law, constitutional principles, and democratic values to restore stability and sanity to the nation.
The letter penned by the six judges of the Islamabad High Court serves as a clarion call for urgent action to preserve the integrity and independence of the judiciary in the face of flagrant interference by intelligence agencies. It is a testament to their unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law, and it is imperative that their plea be heeded to uphold the fundamental principles upon which a just and equitable society rests.
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