ISLAMABAD (Diya TV) — Pakistan’s government has announced plans to establish an inquiry commission to investigate allegations of interference and intimidation by the country’s intelligence agencies in judicial decisions. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar revealed the decision following a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
The move comes after six judges from Pakistan’s Islamabad High Court accused the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) of coercion and intimidation in politically significant cases. They detailed instances of alleged interference, including attempts to influence decisions related to former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Tarar’s announcement followed appeals from over 300 lawyers urging the Supreme Court to intervene, citing concerns about the transparency and independence of a government-led inquiry commission.
The lawyers emphasized a potential conflict of interest, highlighting the executive nature of the state’s spy agency, which stands accused of coercion. They called for the Supreme Court to form a bench comprising all judges to hear the case, with proceedings to be broadcast live to ensure transparency.
Concerns were raised regarding the government-led commission’s independence, as its terms of reference and timeline would be determined by the federal government, potentially compromising the credibility of the investigation.
Pakistan’s military, which has wielded significant influence throughout the nation’s history, including periods of direct rule, denies allegations of political interference. It has yet to respond to the allegations made by the judges.
