PTI rejects Jillani’s appointment to IHC letter inquiry commission

Barrister Gohar says commission should comprise serving judges only

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday dismissed the appointment of former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice (retd) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, as the head of the inquiry commission tasked with investigating the letter penned by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, alleging undue influence by intelligence agencies in judicial matters.

Earlier in the day, the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, designated Jillani to lead the inquiry commission. The cabinet also greenlit the establishment of the inquiry commission.

Jillani, often referred to as ‘the gentleman judge’ for his mild demeanor, retired from his post in July 2014.

This decision follows a recent endorsement by the Supreme Court of a proposal for a commission, led by a retired judge, to examine the concerns raised in the letter submitted by the six IHC judges regarding alleged interference by agencies in judicial affairs.

Accepting the role of heading the commission, the former chief justice stated that he would initiate the proceedings after Eidul Fitr, pending the official notification.

Also read: Cabinet picks former CJP Jillani to head IHC letter inquiry commission

In opposition to the appointment of Jillani, PTI has demanded the establishment of a commission modeled after the Memogate and Election Inquiry Commission, both of which were led by then-Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk.

"We reject this commission," stated PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan in a statement. Khan emphasised the necessity for a commission composed solely of serving judges, expressing disapproval of a commission comprising retired judges.

"Such a commission should emulate the structures of the Memogate and Election Inquiry Commission," added Barrister Gohar.

Meanwhile, another PTI leader, Sher Afzal Marwat, labeled Justice Jillani as unsuitable for the role. Marwat announced via the microblogging platform 'X' that PTI intends to challenge Jillani's appointment.

"After due deliberation, PTI will contest the appointment of Tassaduq Jillani and lay out a plan for the future," Marwat asserted.