ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Supreme Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) has affirmed its commitment to the rule of law, the supremacy of the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary, and further expressed its extreme anguish and concerns regarding the incidents reported in the letter issued by six Honorable Judge of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
While taking serious exception to the undue interference as mentioned the aforementioned letter of the Honorable Judges, the President SCBAP Shahzad Shaukat said that any actions that amount to interference in the judicial functioning and personal lives of Honorable Judges of the Superior Courts, is not only condemnable but requires serious actions by the judiciary as an institution.
The President SCBAP opined that such issues should be addressed in a befitting manner and any apprehension/ misgivings which might be in the minds of the Honorable Judges should be adequately address.
The SCBAP reiterated its unwavering support for the judiciary as an institution and for the Honorable Judge of the Islamabad High Court, declaring unequivocally that Bar Associations, particularly the SCBAP, will not tolerate any incidents aimed at undermining the independence, integrity, authority, and functioning of judicial institutions.
On Tuesday, six IHC judges — out of a total strength of eight — wrote a startling letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) members, regarding attempts to pressure judges through abduction and torture of their relatives as well as secret surveillance inside their homes.
The letter addressed to SJC members also questioned if there existed a state policy to “intimidate” and coerce judges.
The six judges also supported the demand of former IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui for a probe into the allegations of interference by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operatives.
