The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday barred the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from taking action against specific journalists in an issue pertaining to the malicious campaign against the judiciary on social media.
A day earlier, the caretaker government tried to justify the FIA’s notices in a press conference held by Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi along with the officials of the relevant departments authorized to hold probe into the “smear campaign” against top judges.
According to the information minister, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was formed on January 16 to probe into the anti-judiciary campaign on the social media networking sites.
He said the JIT’s first meeting held was on January 17 while the second one convened on January 23. The process to probe into the drive was still underway, he added.
So far, 600 social media accounts were investigated, he said, adding as many as 100 inquiries were registered.
The minister said notices were served on 110 individuals that included 32 journalists and 22 politicians and political workers.
However, the SC took suo-motu over the alleged harassment of journalists in the issue and formed a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali.
In its today order, the court said it had been informed that the FIA had issued notices to some journalists for criticism over the judiciary.
It said it was a right of every citizen and journalist to have criticism, adding actions shouldn’t be taken against them just for criticism.
It said that the Attorney General of Pakistan on behalf to government, has also assured that no action would be taken on the basis of criticism.
The court said that it has stopped the FIA to take actions against journalists to whom notices were served. It also directed the DG FIA to hold a meeting with the concern media men. The court inquired from the FIA officials that why the journalists has been summoned.
As per the order, the court sought report from federal government regarding incidents of torture against journalists within two weeks.
The further hearing of the case was adjourned till tomorrow.
It may be mentioned here that representatives of journalists’ organizations also appeared before the court during the hearing.
