ISLAMABAD (Daily Point) — The Supreme Court (SC) summoned former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief retired Gen Faiz Hameed and others during the hearing of Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s removal plea on Friday.
Led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justices Amin-ud-Din Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Hasan Azhar Rizvi, and Irfan Saadat Khan, the five-member bench presided over the proceedings. Chief Justice Isa inquired about the veracity of Siddiqui’s allegations and questioned whether Siddiqui was dismissed based on a speech regarding these accusations. He further probed into the involvement of the military general in the 2018 General Elections power assumption.
The chief justice pointed out that the accused were not implicated in Siddiqui’s allegations and raised concerns about potential facilitation by army generals for someone else’s benefit. Notices were also issued to former IHC Chief Justice Anwar Khan Kasi, former Supreme Court Registrar Arbab Muhammad Arif, and retired Brig Irfan Ramay.
The proceedings were broadcast live on the apex court’s website and YouTube channel. Senior counsel Hamid Khan represented the former IHC judge, seeking ‘impleadment’ of the seven respondents. Barrister Salahuddin, representing bar associations, sought impleadment of the same individuals, excluding Anwar Kasi, who was already impleaded.
Confirming the allegations, Hamid Khan asserted responsibility for his statements. Chief Justice Isa emphasized that if the allegations were true, they challenged the Constitution of Pakistan, questioning the motives of the accused and whether the army was an independent institution or subordinate to the government.
Barrister Salahuddin revealed allegations of judicial manipulation within the military to influence electoral politics. The Chief Justice pressed for transparency and punishment for guilty parties, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the case.
Thursday’s proceedings saw an adjournment for one day, allowing time to make former ISI DG Faiz Hameed and others parties to the case. The Chief Justice clarified changes in the bench and underscored the importance of democratic proceedings. Advocate Hamid Khan presented Siddiqui’s speech script, claiming pressure from ISI on judges.
Chief Justice Isa urged inclusion of Faiz Hameed in the dispute and cautioned against blaming those not party to the case. The case was adjourned to a later date after the winter break.
