ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has voiced his astonishment over a meeting between an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation and Chief Justice Yahya Afridi. Speaking on Wednesday, he suggested that such an interaction might indicate the IMF’s concerns regarding the country’s judicial system.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed any negative interpretations surrounding the meeting, which took place on Tuesday at the Supreme Court. He emphasized that judicial cooperation was essential for the federal government’s commitment to financial discipline, a key requirement set by the IMF.
The IMF delegation, led by Joel Turkewitz, met with Chief Justice Afridi to discuss matters related to judicial accountability and the handling of complaints against judges, according to an official statement from the Supreme Court.
Addressing reporters, Fazl expressed his surprise at the development. “This is an unprecedented event, not just in Pakistan but globally, where IMF officials are engaging with the judiciary,” he remarked. “A strong economy is tied to a robust justice system. This meeting suggests that the IMF may have reservations about our judicial processes.”
Speaking in the National Assembly, Khawaja Asif clarified that the judiciary willingly participated in the discussion. “The government is committed to enforcing financial discipline, which aligns with IMF conditions. The judiciary plays a crucial role in this implementation,” he stated.
Asif further stressed that the meeting was not imposed by any external force. “The judiciary had the option to decline but chose to engage in the dialogue. The IMF’s role was merely to seek judicial support for financial reforms,” he added.
