ISLAMABAD – A senior judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has written aletter to President Arif Alvi in order to confirm whether a reference hasbeen filed against him over allegations of misconduct.
Isa, who is in line to eventually become the top judge in Pakistan, is aJustice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan since 5 September 2014. He is sonof Qazi Muhammad Essa who was a close associate of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, thefounding father of Pakistan.
In his letter, received by Presidency on Wednesday, Justice Isa has drawnDr Alvi’s attention towards reports quoting government sources that areference had been filed against him.
“I have come to learn through government sources that the President Househas sent a reference against me to the Supreme Judicial Council underArticle 209 of the Constitution. I will be obliged if you (the president)could let me know whether this is correct and if it is, then provide mewith a copy of the alleged reference.”
The Supreme Judicial Council of Pakistan is a body of judges empoweredunder Article 209 of the constitution of Pakistan to hear cases ofmisconduct against judges.
“I am confident that you will agree that if a reference has been filed andI have been called upon to submit a reply, only then to the permission ofthe Supreme Judicial Council, the government may disclose the reference andmy response thereto,” he further wrote.
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The SC judge also went on to add that “selective leaks amount to characterassassination” jeopardise his right to due process and fair trial, andundermines the institution of the judiciary.
The unprecedented move by Justice Isa follows the reports that thegovernment has filed references against two superior courts judges who holdforeign property either in their own names or through their spouses.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to the prime minister and theSupreme Court as well, the reports added.
