ISI Accused of Coercing Pakistani Judges in High-Profile Cases

An Anti-Terrorism Court judge has accused Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI of harassment to influence verdicts in cases involving Imran Khan's party. Similar allegations have been made by six Islamabad High Court judges. The judiciary seeks measures to safeguard its independence from intelligence agency interference, highlighting ongoing tensions.

An Anti-Terrorism Court judge in Pakistan has accused the powerful ISI intelligence agency of harassing him and his family to secure favorable verdicts in high-stakes cases involving workers of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party.

In a letter to Lahore High Court Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, ATC Judge Muhammad Abbas detailed the alleged coercion by ISI officials. Judge Abbas is overseeing cases linked to attacks on military installations involving Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and other members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Omar Ayub claimed that intelligence agencies had held Judge Abbas hostage during a recent hearing. This alarming revelation echoes a similar outcry from six Islamabad High Court judges, who reported attempts by intelligence operatives to pressure them through threats and illegal surveillance.

The judiciary has proposed measures to protect its independence while waiting for the Supreme Court's response. On the allegations by Judge Abbas, Lahore High Court Chief Justice summoned Punjab Inspector General of Police for an explanation. The chief justice later reserved the verdict on the alleged harassment.

Imran Khan's party condemned the incident, denouncing it as part of a scheme to intimidate judges and subvert justice.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)