Cabinet approves Tassaduq Jillani-led commission to probe IHC judges’ allegations

ISLAMABAD – The federal cabinet on Saturday approved the formation of a one-member panel to investigate charges made by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, chaired by retired Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet session.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Pakistan’s Attorney General Mansoor Awan will write the commission’s terms of reference (TOR). After conducting an investigation into the charges, the one-member commission will deliver a report within 60 days.

Speaking with Dunya News, retired Justice Jillani declared his willingness to lead the commission. He stated that the commission’s investigations would be fair and transparent.

Jillani stated that the topic was extremely delicate, and that he would do his best to meet the nation’s expectations. He stated that the work assigned to him was quite difficult.

During their discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa agreed to form a panel to probe the claims made by IHC justices.

According to sources in the federal cabinet, the attorney general was specifically invited to attend the cabinet meeting. The Cabinet sought legal advice on the matter. The attorney general informed the cabinet about it.

According to them, former Chief Justice Tassaduq Jillani has also been officially contacted about the cabinet decision. The cabinet granted the chief of the investigative body complete authority to investigate the matter.

According to sources, the government’s legal staff was asked to notify Pakistan’s Chief Justice of the decision. The cabinet also established the inquiry commission’s Terms of Reference, which will be made public in a press release.

Earlier, while chairing the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the opponents involved in the Basham tragedy did not want Pakistan’s alliance with China to thrive. He stated that his government will eliminate terrorism from the country.

The federal cabinet discussed a variety of problems. The meeting was held via Zoom, and the majority of the ministers participated online.

While appearing in the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Sharif stated that on March 26, a tragic incident occurred in Bisham that murdered five Chinese engineers and martyred one Pakistani.

The Basham event prompted the formation of an inquiry committee as well as a combined investigating team. The inquiry committee was asked to provide a report within three days. He stated that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

The prime minister stated, “We must work hard day and night. We have resources, and we need to use them. We need to face the difficulties collectively. The Ministry of Petroleum requires the best consultant in the globe.