Executive’s interference in judicial affairs will not be tolerated: CJP Isa

By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In response to alarming allegations of executive interference in judicial affairs, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faiz Isa and distinguished members of the judiciary convened a series of high-level meetings aimed at upholding the independence of the judiciary.
The saga began with the receipt of a letter dated March 25, 2024, from six worthy judges of the Islamabad High Court, prompting urgent action from the CJP. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the CJP wasted no time and promptly called for a meeting with all the Judges of the Islamabad High Court at his residence after Iftar on March 26. Over the course of two and a half hours, individual concerns of the judges were meticulously heard and deliberated upon.
Subsequently, on March 27 (Thursday), the CJP, accompanied by the Senior Puisne Judge, engaged in discussions with key legal stakeholders, including the Attorney-General, the Law Minister, the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and senior members of the Pakistan Bar Council present in Islamabad. A consensus emerged during a Full Court Meeting of all the Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, where it was unanimously agreed upon that the gravity of the situation warranted a direct engagement with the executive.
On March 28, a landmark meeting took place at the Supreme Court, where the Prime Minister, alongside the Law Minister and Attorney-General, engaged in talks with the CJP, the Senior Puisne Judge, and the Registrar of the Supreme Court. In a resolute stance, the CJP reiterated the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to independence, emphasizing that any form of interference by the executive would not be tolerated.
During the meeting, a proposal to establish an Inquiry Commission, headed by a retired Judge of impeccable integrity, was put forth. The Prime Minister pledged full support for the initiative, undertaking to seek approval from the Federal Cabinet for the commission’s constitution. Additionally, the Prime Minister assured the judiciary of taking further measures to ensure the preservation of judicial autonomy, including the issuance of directives to relevant departments and the initiation of legislation in accordance with legal precedent.
As the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of these deliberations, the judiciary’s steadfast resolve to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles serves as a beacon of hope amidst challenging times. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving narrative.