SJC issues show-cause notice to IHC judge

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to explain his position over his speech in which he levelled serious allegations about the prime intelligence agency’s meddling in judicial affairs.

Justice Siddiqui is required to come up with his explanation by Aug 28.

While addressing a gathering of lawyers at the Rawalpindi Bar Association on July 21, Justice Siddiqui levelled serious allegations about the intelligence agency’s interference in judicial matters.

After his startling remarks made headlines, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar took notice of them and summoned complete record of the judge’s speech from the Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

Aside from the top adjudicator, the Pakistan army had also expressed concern over the speech delivered by Justice Siddiqui and asked the Supreme Court to launch an appropriate inquiry to ascertain the veracity of these allegations.

In a statement, ISPR said: “An honourable judge of Islamabad High Court of Pakistan has leveled serious allegations against state institutions including honourable judiciary and the premier state intelligence agency.”

“In order to safeguard the sanctity and credibility of the state institutions, honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan has been requested to initiate appropriate process to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and take actions accordingly,” it added.