IHC judges’ letter: Suo motu hearing underway at SC

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has resumed hearing a case concerning allegations levelled by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges with regard to interference by the security apparatus in judicial matters.

Headed by Chief Justice of Pa­­kistan Qazi Faez Isa, the bench comprises Justices Athar Minallah,  Jamal Khan Mando­khail, Mansoor Ali Shah, Musarrat Hilali and Naeem Akhtar Afghan.

The proceedings of the case are being streamed live on the Supreme Court’s website and its YouTube channel.

During the hearing, the CJP inquired the counsels of the bar councils and associations how long they would take to present their arguments.

He observed that first, counsels, which are representing lawyer organisations would be heard. Later, those who are pleading on behalf of individuals will be heard, the top judge remarked.

The AGP, upon the directives of the CJP, then read aloud the short order from the last hearing.

The counsel for the Pakistan Bar Council said that the matter of judges’ letter should be referred to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) as the judges had levelled very serious allegations. He added that the judges had sought guidance from the SJC.

more details to follow……….