PBC expresses concern over FBR’s Justice Isa report

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has expressed grave concern over the “discriminatory and biased” report of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on purchase of foreign properties by the family members of Supreme Court judge Qazi Faez Isa.

A meeting of the PBC members on Monday reviewed the report and its possible outcomes as well as the country’s political situation. Later, the apex body of lawyers issued a statement which said the FBR report in Justice Isa case aims at “subduing the judiciary, which deserves strongest condemnation”.

“The PBC reiterated its absolute, unambiguous and longstanding stance in respect of mala fide reference filed by the government against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, which later on was also rightly rejected by the Supreme Court.

“[The PBC also] resolved to continue its struggle for the independence of the judiciary and to oppose, tooth and nail, any onslaught of the executive or other authorities which matter, against the judiciary and its independent functioning while dispensing justice,” it added.

The government in June last year filed a presidential reference that sought Justice Isa’s removal in view of his failure to mention his family members’ London properties in his wealth statement.

A 10-judge full court on June 19 quashed the reference. However, in its split verdict, the bench referred the matter to the FBR, asking it to proceed against Justice Isa’s spouse and children under the tax law.

The apex court also asked the FBR to submit a report to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), the only constitutional forum that can hold a superior court judge accountable. The split verdict implied that the SJC could revive the reference in view of the FBR report.

The PBC warned the executive authorities to refrain from resorting to such ulterior moves against judges of the superior courts and their family members.

“Otherwise the lawyers will not hesitate to initiate a country-wide campaign and protest against the government, to express its solidarity with and full support to the judiciary,” it added.   

The PBC also expressed serious concern over “the ongoing volatile political situation” in the country, “mainly caused due to the government moves to create hindrances in political activities just to cover its bad governance and incompetence”.

"It is the matter of grave concern that the government, claiming the support of the army, is pressuring political parties by arresting their leaders and workers before and during their public meetings, they are holding against the undemocratic pursuits of the present government.”

The PBC urged the government and other concerned authorities to desist from creating obstacles in the democratic lawful activities of political parties to mobilize the people against bad governance.

"All the state institutions are duty bound to remain within their defined constitutional limits which is not only essential for smooth running of the government functionaries but also for the welfare of the people and stability of the country," it added.