IHC moved to form commission to probe audio-tape issue

ISLAMABAD: A petition has been filed in Islamabad High Court (IHC) in connection with constitution of commission to probe into former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar’s audio tape issue and allegations leveled against the judiciary. The petition was filed by President Sindh High Court (SHC) Bar Salahud Din Ahmad and member judicial commission Syed Haider Imam Rizvi Saturday. The petitioners took the plea that the audio tape attributed to former CJP Saqib Nisar gives impression the judiciary is under pressure of external forces. It is necessary to determine if the audio tape is fake or real for the protection of independence of judiciary.

It said the judiciary should constitute an independent commission for the protection of its name. Audio tape hurt the dignity of the judiciary. The audio clip has raised important questions on the independence of judiciary, it added.

Being the constitutional court it is necessary that the confidence of the people on independent and impartial judiciary should be restored. An independent commission comprising retired judges, lawyers, journalists and civil society members of good repute be constituted, it stated.

It was further prayed in the petition that the commission should investigate into the alleged audio tape attributed to Saqib Nisar. The commission should be directed to frame TOR and probe into other allegations against the judiciary. The secretary law and home secretaries of all the four provinces have been made respondents.