The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to initiate a probe into the tampering of the Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)'s records, as alleged by the joint investigation team (JIT) implementing the court's verdict on the Panamagate case, and submit a report in this regard.
It also took up the matter of the alleged harassment of the members of the JIT and directed the Attorney General to assist the bench in connection with the allegations against the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
The three-member bench, chaired by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, had been hearing an application filed by the JIT.
During a debate on the replies filed by the Attorney General in response to the application, Justice Ijazul Ahsan asked under which law the IB was collecting personal details of JIT members. He also asked what law permits the IB to "threaten others".
In his remarks, Justice Azmat Saeed observed that the IB chief had confessed to spying on the JIT and that a criminal case should be filed against him.
"Has the IB been privatised? How did Hussain Nawaz come into the possession of details acquired by the IB from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)? Why has the IB has been interfering in each and every matter?" he asked.
"For God's sake, don't use the IB [in this case]," he said, adding that the IB's reply to the accusations against it was "classical denial".
"We will not let anyone to play with state institutions," he said.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan said the bench had been monitoring the "situation" closely. He also said it seems that an organised media campaign was being run regarding the JIT's proceedings.
"No politician or the media can regulate the framework of the judiciary," he added.
"Tell your people to remain in their limits," Justice Ahsan directed the AG.
During proceedings, the AG also informed the bench that the matter of the show-cause notice issued to JIT member Irfan Naeem Mangi had been put on hold.
"Don't harass the JIT," Justice Ahsan said, while also ordering the JIT to focus on their task.
