Establishment’s Meddling in Judiciary to End Soon: LHC CJ

By Staff Report

RAWALPINDI: Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmed Khan, on Friday declared that undue influence from external forces on judicial affairs would be curtailed shortly.

Chief Justice's Declaration

Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmed Khan made a significant statement at an event in Rawalpindi, emphasizing the need for courage and fearlessness in the face of external interference. “I have received complaints and letters, including verbally regarding interference in judicial matters by ‘institutions,’ but I have full faith that this interference of the establishment in the judiciary will come to its end very soon,” the LHC CJ declared.

Call for Courage and Bravery

The Chief Justice stressed the importance of facing interference with bravery and without fear. “To get rid of the establishment’s interference, we have to face it with bravery, courage and without any fear, and with the belief that this interference, God-willing, will end soon,” he said.

Justice Ahmed explained that his confidence stems from both his faith and his professional experience. He noted that complaints about interference often mention certain institutions, but he chose not to name them explicitly.

Historical Context and Judicial Independence

Citing historical precedents starting with the Maulvi Tamizuddin case, the LHC CJ emphasized the prudence of leaving the names of these institutions unmentioned. “Currently, the judiciary operates independently without external pressures,” he affirmed.

He shared an anecdote about a district judge who resisted such influences, stating, “I am fearless; I will administer justice impartially.” This resilience, according to Justice Ahmed, filled him with immense pride.

Challenges Faced by District Judges

Justice Ahmed spoke about reports from district judges facing coercion and attempts to influence their decisions. He urged them to resist such pressures and assured that they would be guided by higher principles. “My conviction that the interference from the establishment in judicial matters will cease is unwavering,” he stated.

Initiatives for Judicial Integrity

The Chief Justice shared initiatives implemented after assuming office. “Immediately after taking office, I organized a full court session, where we resolved that strike actions would not be entertained. On May 13, a directive was issued across Punjab’s courts to disregard any strike calls and to proceed strictly by legal norms,” he explained.

He also noted that on April 24, judges at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) unanimously reported undue meddling by intelligence agencies in their judicial responsibilities. Justice Ahmed commended the integrity of the majority within the legal fraternity, observing that “90% of attorneys are commendable.”

Judicial Performance in Punjab

Justice Ahmed highlighted the effective handling of cases in Punjab, noting that over 200,000 new cases were registered while more than 300,000 were concluded, effectively decreasing the backlog of unresolved cases.

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