Dateline Report
ISLAMABAD – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Qazi Faez Isa, intervened Monday by putting a stop to the government’s pursuit of legal action against journalists criticizing the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice issued a directive to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), urging the immediate withdrawal of notices served to journalists for their critique of judges on social media.
During the hearing of a suo motu case addressing journalist harassment, Chief Justice Isa emphasized that the Supreme Court cannot hinder journalists or the public from pointing out faults in court proceedings. He underscored the constitutional right to freedom of the press.
The court, led by Chief Justice Isa and comprising Justices Muhammed Ali Mazhar and Mussarat Hilali, adjourned the hearing until Tuesday. Additionally, the government has been instructed to submit a report on journalist torture within a fortnight.
The Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan, informed the court about four petitions related to the case, with journalists Abdul Qayyum Siddiqui and Asad Toor among the plaintiffs. Chief Justice Isa expressed his strong opposition to taking action on criticism, distinguishing it from abusive language.
This development stems from a suo motu notice taken by Chief Justice Isa on January 27 against the FIA’s list of 47 journalists and YouTubers allegedly running a smear campaign on social media against Supreme Court judges. The FIA had registered at least 115 inquiries and served 65 notices for propagating derogatory information.
The Chief Justice’s intervention aligns with the constitutional protection of freedom of speech while balancing the need to maintain the dignity of institutions. The court will resume the case on January 30, where decisions about suspending FIA notices will be considered.
This incident has sparked debates on the role of social media and freedom of the press in Pakistan, highlighting the delicate balance between criticism and the responsibility to protect institutional dignity.
