ISLAMABAD: In a significant move, the federal cabinet has approved the establishment of an inquiry commission to address allegations raised by judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice (retired) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, has been appointed as the head of this commission, as per an official declaration released on Saturday.
The commission, led solely by former CJP Jillani, will delve into the allegations outlined in a letter by the judges. Additionally, the cabinet members have endorsed the terms of reference (ToRs) for the commission. Sources cited by Geo News indicate that the commission is expected to submit its findings within 60 days.
During the cabinet meeting, officials from bureaucracy and other irrelevant parties were requested to leave the room when the letter’s matter was under discussion. The cabinet has empowered the Prime Minister to appoint the head of the commission, expressing full support for his decision.
In an official statement issued after the meeting, the federal cabinet refuted allegations of executive interference in judicial matters, terming them “inappropriate.” The members unanimously affirmed their commitment to the constitutional principle of separation of powers among state institutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during the gathering, reiterated his commitment to judicial independence and the principle of constitutional separation of powers. He briefed the cabinet members about his consultations and meeting with the Chief Justice of Pakistan following the receipt of the letter.
The cabinet extended full endorsement and support for the Prime Minister’s decisions and actions regarding this matter.
Background on Former CJ Tassaduq Jillani:
Justice (retired) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, a distinguished figure in the legal realm, served as a Supreme Court judge for over a decade, including a brief tenure as the Chief Justice of Pakistan, until his retirement on July 10, 2014.
Born on July 6, 1949, the 74-year-old jurist earned his LLB from the University of Punjab and commenced his legal practice at the Multan district courts in 1974. He ascended to become an apex court lawyer in 1983, eventually being appointed as a judge in the Lahore High Court in August 1994. After a decade, he was elevated to the Supreme Court in July 2004, where he served until the imposition of a state of emergency in November 2007. Justice Jillani resumed his duties as a Supreme Court judge in 2008 and was later appointed as the Chief Justice of Pakistan in 2013.
Throughout his illustrious career, Justice Jillani garnered international recognition for his unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and judicial independence. Notable accolades include the 2023 American Bar Association (ABA) International Human Rights Award and the 2020 J Clifford Wallace Award bestowed upon him by the J Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS).
Renowned for his balanced approach to jurisprudence, Justice Jillani delivered landmark judgments on a myriad of domestic and international issues. Among his notable rulings are those reinforcing fundamental rights, advocating for gender equality, and safeguarding minority rights. Notably, his landmark ruling in 2014 on minority rights followed a suo moto notice he took after a tragic church bombing in Peshawar, underscoring his commitment to justice and equality under the law.
