Govt announces formation of inquiry commission

Law minister says there will be no compromise on independence of judiciary, calls interference ‘unacceptable’

ISLAMABAD:

 

 The federal government has decided to form an inquiry commission to investigate alleged meddling into the affairs of the capital’s high court by state institutions.

"The government has decided to form an inquiry commission under the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act [1956] to investigate the allegations made in the letter sent to the Supreme Judicial Council by six Islamabad High Court judges," Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar announced on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan after a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJ) Qazi Faez Isa, the law minister emphasized that all institutions must operate within their designated boundaries.

Read more: Experts stress need for investigation following IHC judges' letter

“Institutional interference is never acceptable under any circumstances,” he said.

The federal law minister further stated that there is widespread interest in the prime minister's meeting with the chief justice, noting that the PM met with the CJ upon the latter’s request.

Tarar revealed that the meeting between the PM and the CJ lasted for almost one and a half hours, during which they discussed various important matters, including the letter from the IHC judges. He said the CJ also convened a full-court meeting of the Supreme Court to deliberate on the letter.

Highlighting the government's responsibility to conduct a thorough investigation, Tarar stated, "This matter will be presented before the cabinet tomorrow (Friday), following which a commission will be established to investigate the allegations. The commission's terms of reference will be finalized after consulting with the cabinet."

He said the CJ has consented to the formation of an inquiry commission, adding, "A retired judge will be requested to lead the investigation into this matter, with several judges under consideration for heading the proposed commission."

Tarar dismissed any notion of a constitutional crisis arising from the letter by the six IHC judges, asserting that the CJ, recognizing the seriousness of the issue, promptly took action.

"However, it would have been preferable if such matters had been addressed 13 months ago [when the alleged interference occurred]. When such issues arise, they should be handled transparently and brought to a logical conclusion instead of being overlooked," he remarked.

He said the PM will present all decisions before the cabinet on Friday (today) and will also seek input from and consult with intelligence agencies.

"We should acknowledge the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Armed Forces, respect them, and never underestimate their efforts. All institutions should uphold mutual respect," he added.