March 30, 2024

Press Release

Mr. Riazat Ali Sahar, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council, and Mr. Farooq Hamid Naek, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Pakistan Bar Council, have strongly condemned, criticized, and rejected the demand made by a political party for the resignation of Mr. Justice Qazi Faez Isa, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, concerning the issues outlined in a letter recently addressed to the Chairman and Members of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) by the six Judges of the Islamabad High Court.

They characterized it as a component of a premeditated smear campaign and a fresh onslaught against the Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan by the political party, which persistently tarnishes and targets the Chief Justice of Pakistan for political advantage and damaging the judiciary.

The allegations put forward by the six judges of the Islamabad High Court should probed promptly by the forum recently discussed and decided in the meeting of Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan. If proven true, these allegations present a grave threat to the institution, necessitating serious action. Judges must be afforded privacy and protection, which is prime responsibility of the State. Other institutions have no authority to penetrate into the judiciary in any manner; their core responsibility lies in supporting the judiciary in its stability. Any threat or activity aimed at undermining the judiciary should be met with stringent action.

They reiterated that the Pakistan Bar Council and the entire legal fraternity stand firmly with the Chief Justice of Pakistan, and the entire Judiciary of Pakistan. They emphasized that it is utterly unacceptable and intolerable for the Pakistan Bar Council and the legal fraternity to stand silent over such attacks upon judiciary. Furthermore, they expressed their unwavering support for the Judiciary as an institution, ensuring its integrity and independence.

A retired Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, has been appointed to head the Commission inquiring into such allegations, a decision that they welcome and support.

They have decided to convene a general body meeting very soon for further deliberation on the matter. The legal fraternity stands in solidarity with the judiciary, and their objective is to identify an appropriate remedy for the concerns of judiciary.

SECRETARY