Lahore: The Lahore High Court has instructed the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to issue directives preventing intelligence agencies and the military from approaching judges, citing concerns over undue interference and pressure.
This directive follows complaints from several judges alleging interference by the country’s powerful military and intelligence establishment in their judicial duties. Throughout Pakistan’s history, the military has wielded substantial influence over the state, even during civilian administrations, particularly in matters of security, foreign policy, and domestic affairs.
Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court issued the order, responding to a complaint from an anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge in Punjab who reported harassment by officials allegedly associated with an unnamed intelligence agency, as reported by The Dawn newspaper.
Also Read | China Encourages Taiwanese Visits Amid Travel Warnings and Execution Threats
During earlier proceedings, Justice Karim emphasized that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif bears responsibility for such incidents, given that the intelligence agencies fall under his command.
The court’s order mandates, “Instructions shall go out by the Prime Minister’s Office to all civil or military agencies including the Intelligence Bureau as well as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) regarding strict directions not to approach or contact any judge whether of the superior judiciary or subordinate judiciary or any member of their staff in future.”
Also Read | Taliban Asserts Afghan Women’s Rights as Internal Issue Ahead of UN Talks
Justice Karim also directed enhanced security measures at ATCs in consultation with concerned judges. He further instructed the Punjab Police to ensure compliance, warning that state and local police chiefs would face personal consequences and potential contempt charges if the order was violated.
Additionally, ATC judges in Punjab were advised to install call-recording applications on their mobile phones to document any attempts to influence or intimidate them.
