Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has taken suo motu notice of the alleged harassment of journalists by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against the backdrop of an alleged malicious campaign targeted towards the superior judiciary.
The CJP has constituted a three-judge Supreme Court bench to address the matter, scheduled for Monday. The bench, headed by the CJP, includes Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali.
The suo motu notice was initiated by the CJP following the adoption of a joint resolution by the Press Association of the Supreme Court (PAS) and the Islamabad High Court Journalist Association (IHCJA). This decision came after a meeting in chambers with newly-elected representatives from both associations.
The case will be taken up alongside another one initiated in 2021 at the request of the PAS regarding the harassment of journalists. The court office has issued directives to the Attorney General for Pakistan, Pemra Chairman, FIA Director General, and the Islamabad Police Chief to appear in person before the court.
The resolution was adopted following a joint meeting of PAS and IHCJA representatives. This gathering was prompted by reports circulating on social media that the FIA’s cyber wing, after taking notice of the smear campaign against judges, had issued notices to approximately 47 journalists.
