‘Pakistan’s judiciary is autonomous,’ says the Foreign Office, dismissing US accusations of government meddling in the courts.

The Pakistani judiciary is independent, according to the Foreign Office, and the courts operate in accordance with the country’s Constitution and laws.

The US State Department has painted a poor picture of Pakistan’s judiciary, claiming that while the country’s judicial system technically functions independently of the executive branch, the reality is very different.

“Pakistan’s judiciary is influenced by the government and other stakeholders,” the State Department wrote in its latest report, 2021 Investment Climate Statements: Pakistan. The executive branch exerts influence on the lower courts, which is perceived as lacking in competence and justice.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri stated in a statement in response to media questions that the charges are “factually false and deceptive.”

As he replied to the US Department of State’s “Investment Climate Statements for 2021,” the spokesperson stated the country takes serious objection to the gratuitous and unjustified statements made in the report against Pakistan’s judicial system.

“Factually false and deceptive accusations to the contrary are categorically refuted,” the spokesman stated.

The Pakistani government, as a vigorous democracy, believes in the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial institutions of government, according to the spokesman.

He stated, “There is no issue of coercion or pressure on Pakistan’s courts.”

According to Chaudhri, the report’s unfounded allegations are challenged by many rulings by Pakistani courts at all levels that fulfil the greatest criteria of judicial independence.

While the statement recognises Pakistan’s progress and reforms in improving its business and investment climate, despite the country’s extremely difficult circumstances as a result of the pandemic, it speculates on alleged regulatory flaws and bases its conclusions on unverifiable sources,” the spokesperson said.

He stated that one of the Pakistan government’s top goals is to work with the international community, particularly the United States, on mutually beneficial economic, trade, and investment relations.

“We will keep taking efforts to maximise Pakistan’s geoeconomic potential,” Chaudhri remarked.