Law minister says there will be no compromise on independence of judiciary, calls interference ‘unacceptable’
Islamabad
Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday announced the formation of an inquiry commission following startling revelations made by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges about the interference of intelligence agencies in judicial matters.
He was addressing a press conference along with Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan in Islamabad following a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa at the Supreme Court. Both Tarar and Awan were also present during the meeting.
Tarar stated that all constitutional institutions must operate within their bounds. “Any interference from any institution is unacceptable. Hence, the decision to establish a commission under the Inquiry Act has been made,” he announced.
Talking about the meeting between the PM and CJP, he said that both underscored the gravity of the situation, recognising its significance.
The law minister said that the meeting between the prime minister and the CJP lasted approximately one and a half hours, during which crucial matters, including judges’ issue, were discussed.
He emphasised that there will be no compromise on the independence of the judiciary. “It is the government’s duty to investigate this matter thoroughly, which is why it has decided to conduct an inquiry into the issue. This matter will also be presented before the cabinet tomorrow, followed by the formation of a commission for investigation, with TORs to be finalised after cabinet consultation,” he added.
He mentioned that several judges’ names were under consideration to investigate the matter, adding that the CJP also agreed to form the investigative commission. “A retired judge will be requested to conduct the inquiry into this matter,” he said.
The minister clarified that the letter from the judges did not create any constitutional crisis. “Considering the seriousness of the matter, the CJP took immediate action. It would have been preferable if such discussions had taken place 13 months ago. When such issues arise, they should be resolved through transparent and logical means instead of sweeping them under the rug,” he added,
