The Supreme Court of Pakistan, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, ordered former Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui to include former spy chief General Faiz Hamid and others in his plea challenging his dismissal.
The direction was given during the resumption of hearings on a plea filed by Siddiqui against his removal by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).
The apex court, comprising a five-member bench including Justices Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Irfan Saadat Khan, instructed Siddiqui to make the former general and other personalities parties to the case. The direction emerged due to allegations against certain individuals not present at the case’s hearing. The order emphasized the need for the accused to present their positions in court.
Siddiqui’s Dismissal Case
The proceedings, broadcast live on the apex court’s website and YouTube channel, were represented by lawyer Hamid Khan on behalf of the former IHC judge. The case garnered attention following the former judge’s miscellaneous application for an early hearing of his plea against the SJC’s decision on his dismissal.
During the hearing, the bench addressed various aspects, including the constitution of the bench, representation of the federation, and the admissibility of Siddiqui’s petitions. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa highlighted the importance of making accused individuals parties to the petition, stressing the need to hear their perspectives.
Justice Mandokhail raised questions regarding targeting individuals versus institutions, prompting a discussion on the importance of distinguishing between the two. The chief justice emphasized the criticality of addressing the actions of individuals rather than defaming institutions.
In addition to the main plea, the hearing also touched upon Siddiqui’s demand for open proceedings of the Supreme Judicial Council, a point on which Chief Justice Isa expressed his personal views against in-camera proceedings.
Background of Justice from Ex-Judge Siddiqui
Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, expecting complete justice from the Supreme Court, had been removed from his position in the IHC following a controversial speech at the Rawalpindi Bar Association in 2018. He accused sensitive institutions of meddling in judicial affairs, leading to multiple references filed against him. His dismissal by the SJC was challenged in 2018, with the case continuing.
Represented by senior lawyer Hamid Khan, Siddiqui’s plea includes demands to investigate the alleged injustice and ensure judiciary freedom from external pressures. The former judge’s struggles following his dismissal were also highlighted during the hearing.”
