The Initial Letter:
“Judiciary vs Army” It all began with a letter written by six judges of the Islamabad High Court to Pakistan’s chief justice. In this letter, the judges made a startling revelation – they claimed that their relatives had been kidnapped and tortured, their bedrooms bugged, and their houses surveilled. The letter outlined seven specific instances of such harassment. For example, in one case, ISI operatives allegedly pressured a judge through his relatives, leading to his hospitalization due to high blood pressure. In another case, a judge’s brother-in-law was abducted and subjected to electric shocks. This letter raised many questions about the motives behind such actions.
Army’s Motive:
The ISI, with its extensive power in Pakistan, was already a force to be reckoned with. So, why did they engage in such activities? The answer lies in their desire to influence judicial decisions and secure favorable verdicts, particularly against Imran Khan. The Army aimed to prevent Khan’s participation in the upcoming elections by disqualifying him. As a result, approximately 150 cases were filed against him. However, their plans didn’t always go as expected.
Imran Khan’s Release
In August 2023, Imran Khan faced conviction in the Tosha Khana case for siphoning off State gifts. However, the Islamabad High Court intervened by suspending his three-year jail sentence and ordering his release. Despite this intervention, Khan was arrested in a different case shortly afterward, which nullified the court’s decision. This incident highlighted the tug-of-war between the Army and the judiciary.
Persistent Relief
Undeterred by previous setbacks, Imran Khan’s legal team continued to appeal to the Islamabad High Court for relief. Surprisingly, they found a receptive audience in some of the judges, who granted him respite by suspending his sentences. These judges were now caught in the crosshairs of the ISI’s harassment. This turn of events was not entirely surprising considering the modus operandi of the Pakistan Army. The question that arises now is – what comes next?
Seeking Guidance
Faced with intimidation and harassment, the six judges who wrote the initial letter sought guidance on how to respond to such threats. In response, Pakistan’s chief justice and Prime Minister Shabah Sharif convened a meeting to address the issue. They decided to form a one-man committee tasked with investigating the allegations made by the judges. Hussein Gilani, a former Chief Justice, was appointed to lead the committee. However, Gilani recused himself from the role, citing the risks associated with investigating the Army.
The Perils of Investigation
Gilani’s decision to withdraw from the committee raises the question of why he would not support his fellow judges. The answer lies in the precarious nature of investigating the Army in Pakistan. If one conducts an honest investigation, they become a target. On the other hand, if they choose not to investigate sincerely, they are complicit. Caught between these two extremes, it becomes a lose-lose situation for anyone involved.
Threatening Letters
The Army wasted no time in asserting its influence and power. Tuesday saw eight judges of the Islamabad High Court receive threatening letters containing a suspicious substance. This act of intimidation continued as three judges from the Lahore High Court faced a similar situation. These incidents reinforce the gravity of the crisis and raise concerns about the safety and security of the judiciary.
Call for Supreme Court Intervention
As the crisis escalates, Imran Khan’s party has called for the Supreme Court to take up the matter. Hundreds of lawyers echo this sentiment, demanding immediate intervention. However, the chief justice has yet to respond to these pleas. It is worth noting that lawyers in Pakistan have a history of wielding considerable power. In 2007, they spearheaded a movement against dictator Pervez Musharraf, which eventually led to his ousting. Is there a possibility of a similar uprising this time? While it seems unlikely at present, it is imperative not to ignore the severity of the situation.
Global Response and Silence
The crisis in Pakistan has not garnered the global outrage one might expect. The Army’s interference in judicial matters should be a cause for concern and condemnation. Surprisingly, the United States, known for its vocal stance on international issues, has remained silent on the matter. This silence speaks volumes about the international community’s indifference towards Pakistan’s struggle for transparency and fairness. It is interesting to note that the US often comments on judicial matters in other countries, including India. The disparity in their response highlights the need for greater awareness and attention to the crisis in Pakistan.
Conclusion
The ongoing crisis between the Judiciary and the Army in Pakistan continues to unfold, with serious allegations of interference and harassment. The letter written by six judges shed light on the extent of such actions carried out by the ISI. Despite previous setbacks, Imran Khan’s legal battles persist, prompting further retaliation from the Army. The response from the international community has been lukewarm, raising concerns about the lack of support for transparency and fairness in Pakistan. As the crisis deepens, the fate of the judiciary hangs in the balance, amidst threats and intimidation. Only time will tell how this unprecedented conflict will be resolved.
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