On Wednesday, a Supreme Court bench of seven members will examine accusations of interference in judicial affairs, with Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan and the Lahore High Court Bar Association submitting related petitions for involvement.
These applications might merge with the ongoing larger bench case initiated under Article 184(3) of the Constitution after a notable recusal and a collective request from lawyers and civic groups.
The spotlight on alleged intimidation of judges by intelligence personnel emerged on March 26, following a revealing letter from Islamabad High Court judges to the Supreme Judicial Council, highlighting coercive measures against judges and their families and unwarranted surveillance.
Barrister Ahsan’s petition calls for the Supreme Court to recognize these allegations as proof of intelligence agencies’ illegal judicial influence and urges a thorough investigation. He advocates for the termination of implicated individuals without benefits, including government and military personnel found tampering with judicial integrity.
Similarly, the Lahore High Court Bar Association’s plea challenges the legitimacy of the one-man commission and demands an inquiry into these intimidation tactics, aiming for strict penalties for offenders. The petition underscores the judiciary’s need to adjudicate without bias, highlighting that judicial efficacy hinges on public trust and confidence.
