March 27, 2024
Press Release

Mr. Riazat Ali Sahar, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council, and Mr. Farooq H. Naek, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Pakistan Bar Council, have emphasized the immediate necessity for the Pakistan Bar Council, as the principal representative body of the legal fraternity in the country, to address the concerning issues outlined in a letter directed to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). The missive, submitted by Mr. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani, Mr. Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Mr. Justice Babar Sattar, Mr. Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Mr. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Mrs. Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, brings to light allegations of interference, and intimidation on the part executives and intelligence agencies, to honourable judges.

The concerns highlighted in the letter are indeed grave and warrant immediate attention. However, the correct competent authority to address these concerns is not the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) but rather the Chief Justice of Pakistan because the SJC under article 209 of the Constitution is the forum to address the complaints against the judges of Superior Courts. The allegations of interference and intimidation are significant and call for a thorough inquiry/investigation conducted by a proper committee, comprising of at least three senior Judges of Supreme Court constituted by the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan.

The contents of the letter depict a troubling narrative of attempts to undermine the autonomy of the judiciary and influence judicial proceedings for political ends. Particularly concerning are the incidents recounted, such as the alleged coercion of judges by operatives of intelligence agencies, including instances of surveillance, abduction, and intimidation directed at judges and their families. These actions, if proven true, represent a direct assault on the rule of law and the principles of justice that form the bedrock of any democratic society.

It is essential to reiterate that what is needed is not a trial by media but a rigorous and comprehensive inquiry/investigation conducted within the framework of the law. The Pakistan Bar Council stands ready to support and cooperate with any efforts aimed at ensuring the integrity and independence of the judiciary. It is imperative that justice not only prevails but is also visibly upheld, and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders involved to uphold the fundamental principles of justice and equity that form the foundation of our legal framework.

SECRETARY