KARACHI: The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) has rejected a commission to investigate the issue of alleged interference in judiciary and demanded that the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) establish a larger bench to take up the issue.

In its general body meeting on Saturday, the KBA vehemently condemned the alleged interference by the executive and intelligence personnel in the affairs of judiciary.

The general body was presided over by KBA president Amir Nawaz Warraich and conducted by general secretary Ikhtiar Ali Channa.

During the meeting, the association unanimously passed a resolution demanding that “no interference by intelligence agencies or any other entity be tolerated in the affairs of the judiciary”.

Furthermore, the KBA strongly criticised the meeting between the CJP and the prime minister on the matter, asserting that such participation ‘compromised’ the impartiality and independence of the judiciary.

The association also rejected the commission established to address the issue, insisting on its denouncement.

It stressed that any commission established to address the issues within the judiciary should remain free from executive influence.

The legal fertility also asked the CJP to establish a larger bench to take action against all ‘agencies personnel’ who interfered in judicial matters. It also urged that proceedings should be conducted transparently and in public view.

Additionally, the KBA expressed its intention to file a petition in court if its demands were not promptly addressed.

The association also said that it reserved the right to convene an All-Pakistan Lawyers Convention to determine the course of action in consultation with the legal community of Pakistan.

The association also highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into allegations made by retired IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, stressing the importance of the Supreme Judicial Council’s involvement in the matter.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2024