SC stops FIA to summon journalists over campaign against judges.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan, under the leadership of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, issued a restraining order on Monday, preventing the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from summoning journalists in connection to an ongoing investigation related to a campaign against judges of the apex court.
A three-member bench, with Chief Justice Isa at the forefront, directed federal investigators to immediately withdraw notices that had been issued to 65 individuals, including 47 journalists, who were targeted for their criticisms of top court judges.
The court’s decision came as a response to a petition challenging the FIA notices. Chief Justice Isa, taking suo motu notice of reported harassment of journalists, called for the personal appearance of key figures before the court.
This included the Attorney General for Pakistan, Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Director General of the FIA, and the Chief of Islamabad Police.
The FIA’s cyber wing had come under scrutiny for issuing notices to nearly 47 journalists in response to what was perceived as a smear campaign against judges.
The court, through a joint resolution, expressed deep concern over the chilling effect these notices had on journalists covering Supreme Court proceedings.
It was emphasized that such actions amounted to a violation of constitutional rights, particularly those protected under Article 19.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Isa asserted that journalists should not face harassment or intimidation for expressing their opinions.
However, he underscored the importance of avoiding any actions that could undermine the judiciary, stating that such mockery could have damaging consequences for the country.
The Chief Justice held the view that legal cases should not be filed against journalists merely for exercising their right to free speech.
This legal development comes amid the establishment of a five-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) by the interim government.
The JIT is tasked with investigating a social media campaign that targeted Supreme Court judges, particularly in the aftermath of a recent judgment concerning the electoral symbol of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Social media discussions have implicated several journalists in connection to this issue.
As SC stops FIA to summon journalists over campaign against judges, notably, journalists who allegedly received FIA notices, including Siddique Jan and Matiullah Jan, expressed their concerns over potential risks arising from the inclusion of personal information.
Also read: Who is new CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa?
They stressed the importance of authorities differentiating between constructive criticism and malicious campaigns against the judiciary.
