ISLAMABAD: The government has established a three-member inquiry commission to investigate leaked audio recordings that allegedly involve the judiciary, former chief justices, and a judge. These conversations have raised concerns about the impartiality of the judges.
The commission, headed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa from the Supreme Court, includes Chief Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan from the Balochistan High Court and Chief Justice Aamer Farooq from the Islamabad High Court.
According to a government notification, the circulation of controversial audio recordings on national media platforms has led to serious doubts about the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the Chief Justices and Judges of the Superior Courts in the administration of justice. The leaks have caused a loss of public trust, and there are significant concerns among the general public regarding the independence and integrity of the Chief Justices and Judges.
Given the crucial importance of the integrity and character of the Chief Justices and Judges in maintaining public trust and confidence in the justice system, the government deems it necessary to investigate the authenticity and accuracy of these audio leaks in order to restore the credibility of the judiciary. The commission’s task will be to examine the truthfulness of various audio leaks, including a conversation between the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s mother-in-law and a lawyer’s wife regarding cases in the Supreme Court, with the mention of an unconstitutional rule.
The commission will commence its investigation immediately and is expected to submit a report to the government within 30 days. The audio leaks to be investigated include conversations between the former Chief Minister of Punjab and an advocate about a Supreme Court judge, discussions between the former Chief Minister and an advocate regarding filing cases before a specific Supreme Court bench, a conversation between the former Chief Minister and judge of the Supreme Court, a call between former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and a lawyer, a discussion between a journalist and a lawyer regarding a court verdict, a conversation between PTI chief Imran Khan and a party member concerning proceedings of a case before the Supreme Court, a call between Chief Justice Bandial’s mother-in-law and a lawyer’s wife, and a conversation between ex-Chief Justice Nisar’s son Najam Saqib and his friend regarding his father’s role in politics.
