ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has issued a challenge to the recently established judicial commission tasked with investigating audio leaks related to the judiciary.
The plea, filed by Khan’s counsel and party leader Babar Awan, seeks the nullification of the notification regarding the formation of the commission.
Government Establishes Judicial Commission to Probe Judiciary Audio Leaks :
The government, in an effort to address concerns about the credibility of the judiciary, established a three-member judicial commission on Saturday. The commission’s mandate includes investigating the audio leaks involving both retired and sitting members of the judiciary, as well as lawyers. The government expects the commission to complete its work within 30 days.
Government Did Not Consult Chief Justice Before Forming Commission :
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar admitted that the government did not consult Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial before forming the commission.
Judicial Panel Formed in Response to Controversial Audio Leaks :
The judicial panel, led by Senior Puisne Judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa and consisting of Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Islamabad High Court (IHC) CJ Aamer Farooq, was formed in response to the circulation of controversial audio recordings that raised concerns about the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the Chief Justices and Judges of the Superior Courts in administering justice.
Government Invokes Act to Establish Commission in Public Interest :
Citing public interest and the serious doubts raised about the judiciary’s independence, the government invoked Section 3 of the Pakistan Commissions of the Inquiry Act, 2017, to establish the commission.
Imran Khan Asserts Chief Justice’s Role in Commission Nomination :
In today’s filed petition, Imran Khan argues that no judge can be nominated for the commission without the permission of the Chief Justice of Pakistan. The petition emphasizes that the Supreme Judicial Council is the appropriate forum for investigating or taking action against any judge of the Supreme Court.
Khan Calls for Accountability in Commission’s Terms of Reference:
Khan’s plea also highlights that the commission’s Terms of Reference lack accountability for the individuals responsible for the “unlawful and unconstitutional surveillance.” He insists that the commission should be empowered to investigate the powerful and unknown elements behind the tapping and recording of telephone conversations, including those involving high-ranking public officials.
Imran Khan Raises Concerns on Twitter :
Imran Khan expressed his concerns on Twitter, asserting that the commission fails to address the issue of who is responsible for the unlawful surveillance of the Prime Minister’s office and sitting judges of the Supreme Court. He believes that the commission should have the authority to investigate and identify these powerful entities.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
