ISLAMABAD: In significant development, Supreme Court has halted operations of audio leaks investigation commission following order issued on petitions filed by Imran Khan and others.

Five-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, delivered decision, with Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Shahid Waheed, and Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi announced verdict it had reserved earlier. Supreme Court’s verdict, which effectively halts commission’s work raises questions about future course of action regarding investigation into alleged audio leaks, as commission has been tasked with uncovering truth behind leaked recordings.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial remarked how government could use judges of Supreme Court for its interests. Chief Justice made remark as five-member bench headed by him and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Shahid Waheed took up pleas against inquiry commission formed by government to probe audio leaks involving judges and politicians.

Dr Babar Awan is representing PTI Chairman Imran Khan while Supreme Court Bar Association President Abid Zuberi, Secretary Muqtadar Akhtar, petitioner Riaz Hanif Rahi and Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan were present in court.  At outset of hearing, AGP raised an objection to formation of larger bench. CJP replied: “How can government pick judges of Supreme Court to serve its interests?”

An enraged Chief Justice remarked it was matter of judiciary’s independence, adding: “Enough has been done, you may sit down”. He said government could not add any judge of its choice to bench.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 27 2023

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