SHC chief consults judges on IHC allegations

All bars in Rawalpindi, Islamabad to observe strike on May 3

KARACHI/RAWALPINDI:

The chief justice of the Sindh High Court (SHC) held a consultation on Friday with all judges of the provincial high court against the backdrop of a letter by the six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges who last month accused spy agencies of using coercive tactics to pressure the judiciary.

Sources indicate that in the meeting, chaired by SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, only judges participated. It is reported that the CJ will now submit a report to the Supreme Court.

Previously, other provincial high courts as well as the IHC had convened similar meetings to discuss measures against the state's interference in judicial matters.

On March 25, six of the eight IHC judges made serious allegations regarding the tactics of the country's premier spy agency to coerce members of the higher and district judiciary. Subsequently, the apex court initiated suo motu proceedings based on the letter.

Meanwhile, under the leadership of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, all four district and 23 tehsil bar associations of Rawalpindi have announced full support for the IHC judges who raised the issue of interference.

These bars have strongly condemned the filing of contempt cases against lawyers and their arrests across Punjab. They have declared a complete strike in the courts of Rawalpindi Division and Islamabad district and tehsil bars on May 3.