Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah has remarked that the judiciary cannot be compelled to hold probe into the alleged audio leak of former chief justice Saqib Nisar when the parties affected by the development seek no investigation.
Questioning the credibility of an audio clip attributed to Saqib Nisar, Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that a commission cannot be devised to investigate the audio clip without solid grounds.
The IHC chief justice issued the ruling during the hearing of a petition about the pertaining of a plea seeking investigation into the alleged audio. The petition was put forward by Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) President Salahuddin Ahmed and Judicial Commission of Pakistan member Syed Haider Imam Rizvi, requesting the formation of a commission to probe an audio leak allegedly attributed to Saqib Nisar.
The alleged audio clip has raised questions on the integrity and independence of judiciary and has caused damaged to the image of judicial system. Referring to the reported audio clip and ex-CJ GB Rana Shamim’s affidavit, Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan said that it is “the season of harassing and pressuring the judiciary”. He termed the plea filed under Article 199 of the Constitution as a ‘proxy war’.
Justice Athar Minallah remarked that advancement in technology allows manipulation as doctored clips can easily be made, which is what raises questions on the authenticity of the alleged audio. However, a commission can only be devised for probe into the audio clip if there are grounds to do so.
The IHC judge adjourned the hearing till December 24 and the arguments will resume at next hearing regarding the acceptability of the plea.
