Controversial Speech: SJC serves notice to Justice Shaukat Siddiqui
The IHC judge had alleged intelligence agency of manipulating the judicial procedures
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Wednesday issued show-cause notice to Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui over his controversial speech.
According to a notification issued on Wednesday, the SJC asked Justice Shaukat Aziz to appear before the Council and present his explanation over his controversial speech which he leveled allegations against judiciary.
It is pertinent here to mention that on July 21, the IHC judge had leveled serious allegations about the intelligence agency’s meddling in judicial affairs.
The IHC judge had alleged intelligence agency of manipulating the judicial procedures, adding that he is not involved in corruption. He further appealed Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) to hold an open trial against him.
Justice Siddiqui said that Pakistan can be compared with India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka instead of comparing with the United States or Europe. “India will be a bigger economic power by 2030 and we are going backward,” he said.
Later, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had requested honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan to initiate appropriate process against Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s remarks regarding interference of intelligence agency in judicial matters.
In a post on Twitter, ISPR stated, “An honorable judge of Islamabad High Court of Pakistan has leveled serious allegations against state institutions including honorable judiciary and the premier state intelligence agency.”
Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan had been requested to launch inquiry to ascertain the veracity of the allegations leveled against state institutions, it added.
On the other hand, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar had taken notice of the statement and sought record of Siddiqui’s speech from Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
The top judge said that the judiciary was working independently and free from any pressure. I read about the statement of a judge and was deeply disappointed, he added.
