Chief Justice Isa to Lead Supreme Court Hearing

The Supreme Court is set to address a significant case involving a letter penned by six Islamabad High Court judges to the Supreme Judicial Council, alleging interference by intelligence agencies in their judicial matters. A new six-member larger bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, is scheduled to convene on April 30 to deliberate on this matter.

The bench comprises Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Athar Minallah, Musarrat Hilali, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, with Justice Yahya Afridi as the sole exception. During the initial hearing, Justice Afridi expressed dissent, arguing against the use of Article 184(3) of the Constitution for suo motu action, asserting that the issue falls within the jurisdiction of the high court, not the Supreme Court.

The case originated from a letter dated March 25, where the IHC judges sought guidance from the SJC to address alleged intelligence agency interference. Chief Justice Isa also engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding this matter.

The upcoming hearing on April 30 marks a crucial juncture in the legal proceedings surrounding the IHC judges' concerns. The differing perspectives within the bench highlight the complexity of the issue at hand, underscoring the importance of a thorough and impartial examination of the allegations raised.