A five-judge panel of the Supreme Court is currently hearing the case of suo motu over concerns that criminal justice may be undermined by people in positions of authority.
The bench includes Pakistani Chief Justice (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar.
Suo motu notice
Earlier in the day, the CJP took suo motu’s notice about the SC judge’s recommendations regarding the alleged intervention by the prosecution’s independence in the exercise of its powers and investigative functions and prosecuting pending criminal cases involving government officials. .
According to a press release issued by the high court, such interventions could lead to prosecution cases, lead to irregularities or loss of evidence in the courts or to having prosecution agencies and lead to changes and appointments of officials.
The media reported that such actions, along with “news reports” about changes in accountability laws, are likely to “undermine” the functioning of the country’s justice system.
“That’s it [is tantamount] violation of fundamental rights affecting society as a whole and erosion [of] The people’s confidence in the rule of law and the constitution of the country, ”he added.
The SC publication did not indicate what “pending criminal cases” referred to. However, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is currently prosecuting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Hamza Shehbaz, whose case has been delayed since February.
The announcement also comes amid allegations by PTI that shortly after taking office, the current government is alleged to have started lobbying various cases and referring investigators or presiding officers, especially those related to allegations of corruption.
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It is also worth mentioning here that the key figures in the new coalition parties have called for the complete abolition of the National Accountability Agency (NAB) or for amendments to anti-corruption laws.
On Tuesday, cabinet agreed to amend the NAB’s “strict rules” to remove political harassment. A committee was set up at the meeting, to be chaired by the minister of justice. for this purpose.
