Six Pakistan high court judges allege intelligence agencies' interference in judicial matters
The Hindu
Six Islamabad High Court judges seek Supreme Judicial Council intervention against alleged intelligence agency interference in judiciary, advocating for independence.
In an unprecedented move, six judges of the Islamabad High Court sought intervention by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against the alleged interference in the working of the judiciary by Pakistan's powerful intelligence agencies.
A letter signed by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges demanded the SJC initiate a judicial convention against such interference in judicial affairs.
The six judges who signed the letter, dated on March 25, include Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz.
The letter also advocated adopting a stance to ensure the judiciary's independence through the convention. The SJC is the highest body authorised to take action against judges of high and supreme courts.
“We are writing to seek guidance from the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) with regard to the duty of a judge to report and respond to actions on part of members of the executive, including operatives of intelligence agencies, that seek to interfere with discharge of his/ her official functions and qualify as intimidation, as well as the duty to report any such actions that come to his/her attention in relation to colleagues and/or members of the courts that the High Court supervises,” the letter stated.
It goes on to highlight the interference of the executive and agencies in judicial matters, including the kidnapping and torture of the brother-in-law of a high court judge to put pressure on the judge regarding a case.
“We will also note that the code of conduct for judges prescribed by SJC provides no guidance on how judges must react to and or report incidents that are tantamount to intimidation and interfere with judicial independence,” it said.
Australian bill bans children under 16 from social media, holding platforms accountable for underage users with hefty fines.
Judge dismisses election subversion case against Trump due to DOJ policy not prosecuting sitting presidents, potentially revivable later.
China tracks U.S. Navy plane in Taiwan Strait, amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan's sovereignty and regional stability.
G7 ministers support ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, avoid addressing ICC arrest warrant for Israeli leader.
West Bengal BJP demands release of Hindu monk in Bangladesh, plans protests at Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.
Clashes erupt in Bangladesh as Hindu leader is denied bail on sedition charges, sparking tensions between religious groups.
U.K. Chancellor Rachel Reeves sought to assure British industry, saying she would not increase taxes for the remainder of the current Parliament..
EFF seeks to revive impeachment proceedings against President Ramaphosa over "Farmgate" scandal, ANC denies allegations.
Hong Kong’s top court rules in favour of equal inheritance and housing benefits for same-sex couples
Hong Kong's top court affirms equal rights for same-sex couples in housing and inheritance, a landmark win for LGBTQ+ rights.
The Hindu Daily Quiz: On events happened on November 26
Violent protests in Pakistan by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lead to deaths and injuries, prompting army deployment and shoot at sight orders.