Justice Qazi Faez presides over first session of audio leaks case in SC

Islamabad: Justice Qazi Faez Isa of the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan Monday is overseeing the initial proceedings of the audio leaks case in courtroom number seven of the Supreme Court, GNN reported.

According to details, an inquiry commission has been established to investigate the matter, and prior to the formal commencement of the commission's work, advertisement orders have been issued.

During the session, the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan Usman read out the Terms of Reference (TORs) for the commission.

Additionally, the federal government has been directed to acquire new SIM cards and Android mobile phones for correspondence purposes.

Justice Isa has emphasized making the contact numbers and email addresses public, inviting individuals with information relevant to the court to come forward.

The inquiry of the commission is not a criminal proceeding or supreme judicial council.

Qazi Faez also stressed the importance of maintaining respect for all individuals involved, noting that the purpose of the investigation is to gather the facts rather than take immediate action against anyone.

The commission has requested the federal government to provide complete audio recordings and transcripts with a deadline set for May 24.

Furthermore, Justice Faez has directed the provision of detailed information and addresses of the individuals implicated in the audio leak.

This meeting marks the first hearing of the judicial commission in the audio leaks case, where the commission has sought complete audio transcripts from the Attorney General.

During the proceedings, Attorney General Mansoor read out the commission's notification after which Judicial Commission adopted its Secretariat within the Supreme Court.

Justice Qazi expressed: “Being a senior most judge of the Supreme Court, I have some constitutional responsibilities,” adding that he is also a member of the Supreme Judicial Council, anyone appearing before the judicial commission is not a criminal.

We want the commission to complete its proceeding as soon as possible, said Justice. Qazi inquired AGP Mansoor regarding the law under which the commission has been formed to which he responded that it has been made under Act 2016.

The inquiry commission added that if any sensitive matter appears, the appeal of in-camera inquiry will be investigated.

The inquiry will take place in the building of the Supreme Court Justice Isa stated that people who need to be inquired also include two aged women.