ISLAMABAD: Justice Shaukat Siddiqui has been excused from attending a work shop pertaining to ‘Human Rights and the Rule of Law’ in Manchester because of life threats.
Justice Siddiqui penned a letter to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) explaining that he could not attend the work shop amidst life threats following his controversial statements regarding the functioning of the judiciary and the intelligence agencies.
IHC Chief Justice Kasi had wanted Justice Siddiqui to attend the workshop being organized by Hull University in Manchester from 8th to 18th August.
On August 1st, Justice Siddiqui was also issued a show case notice with regard to the controversial speech he delivered to his bar association in Rawalpindi on July 21st. Justice Siddiqui has been ordered to submit a response before August 29th.
Following the speech of Justice Siddiqui, Chief Justice of Pakistan had expressed remorse with regard to the speech and has asserted that the judiciary works independently without any external influence.
The same day he Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a press release that a Judge of the Supreme Court had leveled serious allegations against the institutions of the country and had requested the Supreme Court to follow due process wit regard to Justice Siddiqui’s comments in order to retain the credibility of both the institutions.
Justice Siddiqui is also facing a reference on misconduct moved on the complaint by a retired employee of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for alleged refurbishment of official residence by misusing funds.
Justice Siddiqui requested that he be tried in in open court and has said that if any claims of corruption are proven, he will reign there and then.
