[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a directive restraining the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from summoning journalists in connection with an investigation into a campaign against the judges of the apex court. The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, instructed federal investigators to withdraw the notices issued to journalists who had criticized the top court judges.
The court’s decision came in response to a petition challenging the FIA’s notices, which were issued to around 65 individuals, including 47 journalists. Representatives of the Journalists Association of the Supreme Court attended the hearing, while Attorney General Mansoor Awan represented the government.
Read more: CJP Isa Reacts To FIA’s Summons For Journalists
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Isa emphasized that journalists should not face harassment or intimidation for expressing their opinions. However, he also noted that making a mockery of the judiciary damages the country. The Chief Justice expressed the view that filing cases against journalists for exercising their right to free speech should be avoided.
The suo motu notice by the Chief Justice followed reports of harassment of journalists by the FIA’s cyber wing. The notices were issued in response to what was perceived as a smear campaign against judges, and the court directed key officials, including the Attorney General, Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Director General of FIA, and Chief of Islamabad Police, to personally appear before it.
This development came after concerns were raised about the potential chilling effect of the FIA notices on journalists covering Supreme Court proceedings. A joint resolution expressed worry about the impact of these notices on journalists’ constitutional rights, especially those protected under Article 19.
Journalist Siddique Jan, who allegedly received a notice, expressed his concerns about the potential risks associated with the personal information included in the notices. Matiullah Jan and Saqib Bashir, other journalists who reportedly received notices, learned about them through social media and stressed the need for authorities to distinguish between constructive criticism and malicious campaigns.
The FIA’s notices were issued amid the formation of a five-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) by the interim government to probe a social media campaign targeting Supreme Court judges. This campaign gained traction following a recent judgment regarding the electoral symbol of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Several journalists have been mentioned in social media discussions related to this issue.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
