Justice Shahid Jameel Khan Exposes Judicial Misconduct in Pakistan

Former Justice Shahid Jameel Khan recently revealed shocking details in an interview, accusing ex-Lahore High Court Chief Justice Ameer Bhatti of using his authority to benefit his son-in-law, Ali Afzal Sahi, who has ties to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Khan pointed out a decline in the Punjab judiciary during Justice Sardar Shamim's tenure, suggesting that political connections influenced legal decisions.

He lauded Chief Justice Aalia Neelum's integrity, asserting that she remains impervious to external influences. Khan disclosed that Sahi, a PTI minister, invited him to an event where several judges were present, raising concerns about impartiality. He criticized Bhatti for allegedly showing favoritism towards specific judges in cases involving intelligence agencies, thereby compromising judicial autonomy.

Recalling an incident where a relative of former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa tried to exert influence, Khan underscored the challenges in upholding judicial integrity. He stressed the significance of non-interference in legal affairs and commended the uprightness of certain judges.

The interview has brought to light various episodes involving chief justices and judges, sparking conversations about judicial ethics and independence. Attempts to elicit responses from individuals mentioned in the interview proved futile, as they declined to provide comments or engage in further dialogues.

The revelations made by Justice Shahid Jameel Khan have raised significant concerns about potential misconduct within the Pakistani judiciary. The allegations of political interference and favoritism underscore the importance of upholding judicial independence and ethical standards. As discussions on these matters continue, it is crucial for the legal system to prioritize transparency and fairness to maintain public trust and confidence in the judiciary.