In his final decision as a judge, Chief Justice Lahore High Court, Malik Shehzad Ahmad Khan, expressed grave concern that state agencies threaten judges, according to a unique report. This disturbing revelation emerged from the 13-page written judgment of a suo moto case concerning the harassment of an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) judge in Sargodha by the ISI.
Harassment of Judges by State Agencies Chief JusticeÂ
The Chief Justice noted that state agencies used similar tactics against an ATC judge in Rawalpindi. He emphasized that state institutions are responsible for protecting the judiciary. However, reports from the ATC judge in Sargodha indicated multiple instances of interference in his work. This harassment extended to depriving citizens of their constitutional right to access courts and justice.
Contempt Notices Issued Chief JusticeÂ
Due to the lack of response from the Sargodha ISI Sector Commander and the Federal Interior Secretary, the court issued show-cause notices for contempt of court to the DPO, DSP Sargodha, and the Regional Officer of CTD. Justice Shahid Karim is scheduled to hear the case on June 26. The Chief Justice stressed the necessity of bringing this matter to the Supreme Court, where a similar case is already under consideration.
Misuse of Legal Processes
Additionally, the Chief Justice issued a 10-page judgment rejecting transfer applications related to cases from May 9, processed by ATC Rawalpindi’s Court No. 1. The court deemed 12 transfer applications frivolous and fined them Rs 200,000 for wasting the court’s time. Observers noted that it has become common to file baseless references against judges committed to upholding the constitution. Aimed at pressuring them into compliance with unlawful demands.
Allegations Against Judicial Interference
The judgment detailed that the ATC judge in Rawalpindi faced significant interference from jail authorities, which intelligence agencies allegedly influenced. The judge reported that purported security threats and recording devices prevented him from conducting trials in Adiala Jail during judicial proceedings. Despite these challenges, the judge maintained his integrity and continued his work according to the law, setting an example of judicial independence.
Support for Judiciary Integrity
The Chief Justice commended judges like Malik Ejaz Asif, who resisted external pressures and upheld justice without fear or favoritism. He condemned the state’s actions of filing baseless transfer applications and harassing judges’ families and staff to obtain favorable rulings. Such judges are seen as a beacon of hope and pride for the judiciary.
