LHC ordered PM Office to stop spy agencies from approaching judges

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the Prime Minsiter (PM) office to inform all military and civil agencies to stop approaching judiciary members. Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) are among those agencies against whom LHC passed today’s order.

Justice Shahid Karim of LHC issued this four-page written interim order today. He passed this order in a case concerning the intimidation of an anti-terrorism (ATC) judge by a spy agency in Sargodha.

Justice Shahid Karim in LHC : instructions 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… pic.twitter.com/eZNFcavEpU
— khadija siddiqi (@khadijasid751) June 29, 2024

Muhammad Abbas is an ATC judge who accused spy agencies of threatening him to get their desired result. Previously, Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan issued the suo moto notice in response to Judge Abbas’ allegation against a spy agency.

Malik Shehzad is the previous chief justice of LHC. However, when Justice Malik Shahzad moved to the Supreme Court, Justice Shahid seized control of this case.

Justice Shehzad ordered the PM to establish policies for the security agencies in the last hearing. He emphasized that higher authorities should be in charge to prevent these kinds of situations from happening.

🚨🚨#BREAKING: In the case of #ISI officer calling and harassment of ATC judge Sargodha, CJ #LHC Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan issues reserved judgement. Issues contempt notice to RPO, DSP, SHO and regional officer of CTD. After elevation of CJ matter will be fixed before… pic.twitter.com/SDxii64BVj
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) June 20, 2024

Regarding the recent order of LHC, Justice Shahid ordered the PM office to ensure no agency will approach or contact a judge in the future. Any agency will also not approach any superior or subordinate judiciaries or any of its staff members.

Today short order of judge LHC justice Shahid Karim is clear, complete guide lines and more powerful to previous order in same case if the judges of sub-ordinate judiciary will follow the guide lines then no one can approach and pressure on judges.#Alhamduliah our judiciary…
— Fida Hussain Abbasi (@Fidaabbasi123) June 29, 2024

Click here to read the updates on the LHC Chief Justice’s vow to end establishment’s interference in court

According to the court order, all Punjabi police personnel should receive the same directives. They must avoid speaking with judges of either subordinate or superior courts directly about the merits of any ongoing legal cases they may have.

The court further stated it would take certain measures regarding security etc in respect of ATC courts across Punjab. It will only impose these measures with consultation and consent of known judges of that court. Otherwise, it will not implement these measures.

It also emphasized anyone involved in violation of this court order would be personally held accountable. Similarly, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or district’s chief of police would face legal action for contempt.