Islamabad, Pakistan: Six senior judges from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in Pakistan have accused the country’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency of interfering in judicial matters. In an open letter dated March 25, the judges alleged that the ISI used “intimidatory” tactics, including secret surveillance, abduction, and torture of their family members.
The judges urged the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), the country’s judicial watchdog, to investigate the allegations against ISI officials. They expressed concern over a “continuing policy” by the executive branch to intimidate judges to influence politically significant cases.
The letter highlighted cases involving opposition leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has accused the military of orchestrating a crackdown before last month’s general elections. The judges claimed they faced pressure in cases related to Khan, with one judge revealing abduction and torture of a family member by individuals claiming to be ISI operatives.
The judges’ letter follows a recent Supreme Court ruling declaring the removal of former IHC judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui in 2018 illegal. Siddiqui had accused the ISI chief and other military officials of manipulating judicial decisions and interfering in cases. The Supreme Court’s ruling has reignited calls for an investigation into Siddiqui’s allegations.
The judges’ decision to speak out against alleged military intervention has been praised as an act of courage in a climate where many remain silent. The ISI and Pakistan’s military have yet to respond to the allegations.
