ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal cabinet on Saturday approved the formation of an inquiry commission on a letter written by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges wherein they complained about intelligence agencies’ meddling in judicial affairs, appointing former Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani as its head.
The six judges, out of a total IHC strength of eight, had sent a written complaint to the Supreme Judicial Council this week to hold a convention on how the country’s intelligence agencies had been putting judges under pressure and coercing them to issue desired verdicts.
These judges provided various examples of the alleged interference. This included a case concerning former prime minister Imran Khan, saying when two of the three judges on the bench deemed the plea to disqualify him for allegedly concealing his paternity of a daughter as not maintainable, they faced pressure from the operatives of Inter-Services Intelligence through their friends and relatives.
The federal cabinet was informed during the meeting the formation of an inquiry commission was proposed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s interaction with Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa over the issue.
“The federal cabinet approved the terms of reference (TORs) for the inquiry commission,” said an official handout circulated after the meeting. “According to the TORs, the inquiry commission will thoroughly investigate the allegations made in the letter of the honorable judges and determine their accuracy.”
“The commission will ascertain if any official was directly involved in the interference,” it continued. “Based on the facts uncovered in its investigation, the commission will recommend actions against any agency, department or government institution. The commission will also have the authority to investigate any other matter during the inquiry if deemed necessary.”
The official statement mentioned the appointment of the former Pakistan chief justice Jillani, adding the cabinet meeting denied the allegation of executive interference mentioned in the letter and deemed it inappropriate.
“The unanimous opinion of the cabinet members was that they firmly believe in the principle of the division of powers among the three state institutions as established by the 1973 constitution of Pakistan,” it added.
The prime minister also reiterated his commitment to the independence of the judiciary, taking the cabinet into confidence about his consultations and meeting with Chief Justice Isa following the letter.
Pakistan forms commission to probe alleged interference, intimidation by spy agencies in judicial functioning
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Pakistan forms commission to probe alleged interference, intimidation by spy agencies in judicial functioning
- Ex-Chief Justice Tassaduq Jillani to head commission to probe complaint by six judges of pressure from intelligence agencies
- Federal cabinet approves the inquiry commission’s terms of reference, body to ascertain if any person directly involved
Pakistan police say two militants killed during gunbattle in northwest
- Police say Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants ambushed police vehicle on patrol in northwestern Bannu district
- Pakistan has frequently blamed neighboring Afghanistan for facilitating what it calls “cross-border attacks” against it
ISLAMABAD: Police in Pakistan’s Bannu district said on Monday it thwarted an ambush and killed two militants during a fierce gunbattle, as Islamabad grapples with a surge in militant attacks in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
A police vehicle came under attack from militants affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Pakistani Taliban group within the jurisdiction of the Domel Police Station in Bannu, a statement from police said.
The police van was on patrol when TTP militants, who were lying in wait near the district’s Company Road, suddenly opened indiscriminate firing on the police party. Following the attack, both sides traded fire for approximately 20 minutes.
“During the exchange of fire, two militants were killed and weapons were recovered from their possession,” the statement said.
Police launched a search operation in the area after the gunfire ended, during which the bodies of the two militants were recovered. The bodies were shifted to the Khaleefa Gul Nawaz (KGN) Hospital in the area for legal formalities.
Bannu Deputy Inspector General Sajjad Khan praised police for its unwavering commitment in saving people’s lives and for “standing firm against terrorism at all costs.”
“He said operations against elements of Fitna Al-Khawarij will continue under a zero-tolerance policy and those attempting to disrupt peace and order will not be spared under any circumstances,” the police statement said.
Pakistan’s government and army frequently use the term “Fitna Al-Khawarij” to describe TTP militants. The term is drawn from Islamic history for an extremist sect that rebelled against authority and declared other Muslims apostates.
The TTP has carried out some of the deadliest attacks against law enforcement agencies since 2008 in a bid to impose its strict version of Islamic law across Pakistan.
Bannu has also seen several militant attacks in the recent past, with four members of a pro-government peace committee killed by militants in the district earlier this month. In 2025, Bannu police said it recorded 134 attacks on police stations, checkpoints and those targeting its personnel. At least 27 police officers were killed, while authorities say 53 militants died in the clashes.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused neighboring Afghanistan of allowing its soil to be used by armed groups such as the TTP for “cross-border attacks.” It has also alleged that India supports militant groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan. Both Kabul and New Delhi have denied these claims.
