ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has requested that the Justice Qazi Faez Isa-led audio leaks inquiry commission work independently and submit its report to the government in accordance with the terms of reference after confirming the reality of the clips in order to inform the people of the truth.
It may be recalled that the Supreme Court has suspended the functioning of the three-man commission until challenges to its constitution are decided.
The demand was made on Wednesday during a joint meeting of vice chairmen, chairmen, executive committee and members of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), PBC and provincial and Islamabad bar councils. The meeting, held in the office of PBC at the Supreme Court building, was chaired by PBC Vice Chairman Haroonur Rashid.
The gathering was called to discuss the constitutional and other disputes between the highest court and parliament.
The May 9 incidents were denounced at the gathering. It was decided that civilians should not be tried by military tribunals but rather by anti-terrorism courts (ATCs), and that these hearings should be finished in seven days.
The PBC was prepared to serve as the mediator, and it was also decided that political parties should start the process of a great discussion to maintain the country’s democratic process.
The meeting decided that the Supreme Court (Practise and Procedure) Act, 2023, was the result of a 20-year battle by the legal community and had been legitimately enacted by parliament. As a result, the SC should revoke the restraining order it issued on April 13 for its execution.
