PTI decries ‘political meddling’ in judges’ transfers, calls it threat to judicial independence

• Party cites media reports alleging interference in superior court judges’ transfers

• Claims ruling coalition influenced delay in transfer of two judges, regretting JCP’s neutrality compromised after 26th and 27th amends

• Calls for fully independent and transparent judicial appointments system

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) on Wednesday expressed grave concern over alleged political interference in the transfer of superior court judges, terming it a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary.

Citing recent media reports, including an investigative story by senior journalist Ansar Abbasi, the party said a ruling coalition party had allegedly succeeded in stalling the transfer of two judges through direct political influence. The development, it added, has intensified scrutiny over the functioning of the Judicial Commission and raised fresh questions about the impartiality of judicial administration in Pakistan.

PTI said the reports validated its longstanding concerns regarding the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, which it claims have altered the composition of the Judicial Commission in favour of the government, thereby undermining its neutrality and allowing political considerations to override merit and due process.

“If judicial transfers can be delayed or approved on the basis of political pressure, it strikes at the very foundation of the rule of law,” the party stated. “An independent judiciary is not a concession but a fundamental constitutional requirement. What Pakistan is witnessing is a systematic erosion of judicial independence.”

Reiterating its stance, PTI said judicial appointments and transfers must be carried out free from all forms of political interference and strictly with the consent of the judges concerned. It further stressed that the Judicial Commission must function as a fully independent and transparent institution, warning that any attempt to subordinate the judiciary to political expediency must be firmly resisted.

The party vowed to continue raising the issue in parliamentary and public forums and to pursue all constitutional and democratic avenues to safeguard judicial autonomy.

“Pakistan’s democratic future depends on a judiciary that remains free, impartial and completely insulated from political pressure,” PTI emphasized.