Complaint filed against Justice Kayani for alleged misconduct

A former official of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) has lodged a complaint with the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against senior puisne judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani. This move comes in the wake of a letter penned by six judges, including Justice Kayani, detailing alleged harassment by state institutions.

The complaint, filed by Mohammad Waqas, accuses Justice Kayani of orchestrating a systematic campaign against the state of Pakistan by influencing other high court judges. It questions the integrity of Justice Kayani, citing previous references that raised concerns about his conduct.

One such reference involved a dispute between the special prosecutor of the Benazir Bhutto murder case and associates of a law chamber where Justice Kayani practiced before his appointment to the IHC. The complaint also criticizes intelligence agencies for failing to monitor judges' activities effectively.

The letter from the six IHC judges, including Justice Kayani, alleged interference by the country's intelligence apparatus in judicial affairs, including coercion tactics such as abduction and surveillance. It raised concerns about the independence of the judiciary and questioned the role of state police in intimidating judges.

The legal community in Pakistan is embroiled in a controversy following the exchange of accusations between the former IHCBA official and Justice Kayani. The allegations of political interference and misconduct within the judiciary highlight the need for a transparent and impartial investigation to uphold the rule of law.