ISLAMABAD: The controversy stirred by Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court refuses to die down as the legal fraternity seems divided on the issue.

Former Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) vice chairman Ahsan Bhoon accused Justice Siddiqui of breaching the code of conduct for judges, whereas the council`s incumbent vice chairman Kamran Murtaza requested Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar to constitute a full court comprising all judges of the apex court to take up the matter of extreme national importance.

Mr Murtaza said the matter should be heard in open court and Justice Siddiqui should also be afforded ample opportunity to come up with evidence in his f avour. And if the allegations levelled by the IHC judge stood proved, he added, those involved in undermining the independence of the judiciary should be taken to task.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi District Bar Association president Khurram Masood Kiani held a press conference on Monday two days after Justice Siddiqui`s controversial speech at the bar`s event and clarified that the bar had invited the judge for a lecture on legal ethics but he chose to hurl accusations at intelligence agencies.

Mr Kiani said the bar had nothing to do with the allegations levelled by Justice Siddiqui. Rather, he added,the lawyers criticised the judge for maligning the institutions.

Senior PBCmember RaheelKamran Sheikh, in a letter addressed to all 23 members of the council, said the controversy generated by Justice Siddiqui had justifiably raised concerns of the legal fraternity as the same carried with it the potential to shake the faith and confidence of people in the independence and impartiality of courts.

Such allegations, he added, required a thorough inquiry and probe in an open, transparent and confidence-inspiring way, especially when Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)Director GeneralMaj Gen Asif Ghafoor had also demanded a probe by taking an appropriate action.

Justice Siddiqui had also demanded appointment of anindependentinguiry commission, Mr Sheikh recalled, adding that the CJP had also taken notice of the matter. For ensuring independence of the judiciary and dignity of the court, he said, it was imperative to demand for the constitution of a full court to hear this important case.

Soon af ter the letter, Mr Murtaza in a handwritten Urdu statement said he had talked to other members of the PBC and all of them were inclined and united on the demand for a full court hearing on the matter. He said it was a very sensitive issue with which not only the independence of the judiciary was linked but also the integrity and salvation of the country.

The full court, Mr Murtaza added, should also seek input from all provincial bar councils and associations, as well as other stakeholders, including civil society.

Sweeping the matter under the rug, the PBC believes, would further aggravate rather damage the dignity and reputation of the judiciary, which is the highest institution of the country.