What's happened
Senior judges in Pakistan have accused the Inter-Services Intelligence agency of using intimidation tactics to influence judicial verdicts, particularly in political cases. The judges detailed instances of threats, surveillance, and even torture of family members to sway their decisions. The accusations have led to an inquiry commission being set up to investigate the claims, and further tensions arose when senior judges received suspicious letters containing a toxic substance.
Why it matters
The accusations by the judges against the ISI are significant as they highlight the alleged interference of intelligence agencies in the judicial process, raising concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Pakistan. The investigation and the subsequent threats with suspicious letters add to the gravity of the situation, indicating potential risks faced by those challenging powerful entities.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports on the letter by senior judges outlining the alleged intimidation tactics used by the ISI to influence judicial decisions, while Al Jazeera covers the reception of suspicious letters containing a toxic substance by senior judges, prompting an investigation. The Guardian delves into the details of the letter, including allegations of abduction, torture, and surveillance by the ISI on the judges.
How we got here
The accusations stem from a letter signed by six senior judges of the Islamabad High Court, detailing instances of intimidation and coercion by the ISI in cases involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The judges alleged threats, surveillance, and even torture of family members to influence their decisions, leading to an inquiry commission being set up to investigate the claims.
More on these topics
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The Inter-Services Intelligence is the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan, operationally responsible for gathering, processing, and analyzing information relevant for national security from around the world.
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi HI PP is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Pakistan and the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.