Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial has taken suo motu notice of ‘perceived interference in the independence of prosecution branch in performance of its powers and duties’.

A five-member larger bench headed by the CJP will take up the matter tomorrow at 1:00 pm. 

A press release issued by the court states, “The Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr Justice Umar Ata Bandial has taken suo motu notice, on the recommendations of an honorable judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan, of perceived interference in the independence of prosecution branch in performance of its powers and duties for the investigation and prosecution of pending criminal matters involving persons in authority in the government today”.

It added: “Such perceived interference may influence the prosecution of cases, tampering/disappearing of evidence in courts or in possession of prosecuting agencies and transfer/postings of officers on key posts.”

“Such actions, along with media reports to amend the accountability laws, may undermine the functioning of the criminal justice system in the country. “That tantamount to violation of fundamental rights affecting the society as a whole and eroding the confidence of the people in the rule of law and constitutionalism in the country.”