Establishment interference in judiciary to end soon: CJ Malik Shehzad

During the inauguration of the judicial complex e-courts in Rawalpindi, Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan expressed optimism about the cessation of interference by the establishment in judicial affairs.

Addressing the audience, Chief Justice Khan emphasized the importance of combating interference in the judiciary with unwavering faith that it will eventually cease. He acknowledged the prevalent issue of alleged establishment interference, citing instances where the judiciary received letters indicating such involvement.

Asserting his conviction, the Chief Justice Malik Shehzad reassured attendees that his experience led him to believe in the eventual end of such challenges, particularly if approached with a sense of reverence towards divine justice. He commended the judiciary for diligently fulfilling its duties without succumbing to fear or greed.

These remarks come in the wake of a letter sent by six judges of the Islamabad High Court to the Supreme Court, highlighting concerns about intelligence agencies meddling in judicial affairs. The letter urged Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa to convene a judicial convention to address these allegations, which they argued undermined the independence of the judiciary.

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Delving into the judiciary’s internal challenges, Chief Justice Khan lamented the prolonged delays in case verdicts, citing it as the most significant issue. He attributed these delays to various factors, including the unavailability of witnesses, and expressed his commitment to resolving these issues through consultation with high court judges.

Furthermore, Chief Justice Khan discussed the implementation of e-courts and efforts to streamline legal processes, particularly for overseas Pakistanis. He emphasized the importance of physical presence for absconders rather than allowing them to appear via video link, citing concerns about accountability.

In a critical assessment, the Chief Justice also pointed to lawyers as a contributing factor to case delays, underscoring the need for collective efforts to address systemic challenges within the legal system.

As Pakistan continues its pursuit of judicial reform and independence, Chief Justice Khan’s remarks offer insight into the ongoing efforts to combat interference and streamline legal processes for the benefit of all stakeholders.