The Supreme Court has halted the Islamabad High Court from continuing with the audio leaks case involving Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister Imran Khan, and Najamul Saqib. The son of former chief justice Saqib Nisar. The Supreme Court, responding to a request from the federal government, has agreed to hear the case and has issued notices to both Bushra Bibi and Najamul Saqib.
The Supreme Court bench, including Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan. Suspended the Islamabad High Court’s orders from May 29 to June 25. The Court stated that the High Court exceeded its authority since it does not have the power to take suo motu actions. The Court has also requested all records related to the case.
During the hearing, Justice Aminuddin Khan questioned whether the High Court had determined who was responsible for recording the leaked audio. The additional attorney general mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and has not yet identified the source of the recordings. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan expressed concern that efforts to uncover the truth were being obstructed. Stating that if neither the parliament nor the Supreme Court could investigate, the truth would remain hidden.
He also pointed out that those involved in the conversation might have leaked the audio themselves. Noting the ease of recording on modern mobile phones.
The federal government challenged the Islamabad High Court’s June 25 order. Arguing that the Court overstepped its authority by summoning heads of institutions for reports. The government claimed that the High Court’s actions went beyond the scope of the original petition and requested the Supreme Court to annul the order.
Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court, in his June 25 order. Criticized the illegal surveillance of citizens and demanded accountability from the prime minister and the cabinet. He requested a report on using the Lawful Interception Management System, which allegedly violated citizens’ privacy. He demanded telecom companies ensure that the system did not access their networks.
The audio leaks first emerged on April 29, 2023. When an alleged recording of Najam Saqib discussing a PTI ticket with a man named Abuzar was leaked. Earlier, on December 8, 2022, an audio conversation allegedly between PTI leader. Zulfi Bukhari and Bushra Bibi discussing the sale of watches owned by Imran Khan was also leaked.
