Justice Jahangiri: IHC Issues Notices to Three Journalists for “Targeted Campaign”
Issued notices to PEMRA, PTA, FIA,Gharida Farooqi, Hassan Ayub Khan and Ammar Solangi
ISLAMABAD(Mudassar Iqbal); Justice Jahangiri: IHC Issues Notices to Three Journalists for “Targeted Campaign” The Islamabad High Court has put contempt of court proceedings on hold against individuals involved in a social media campaign targeting Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, pending a full court bench hearing. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq led the bench, comprising all judges except Justice Jahangiri, to address the matter.
The court’s decision to form a full bench indicates the seriousness with which it views the targeted campaign against Justice Jahangiri. By adjourning the contempt proceedings, the court has signaled its intention to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the dignity and authority of the judiciary are upheld. The case has sparked attention on the issue of judicial accountability and the limits of free speech in Pakistan.
The court issued notices to PEMRA, PTA, FIA and three journalists Gharida Farooqi, Hassan Ayub Khan and Ammar Solangi.
During the hearing, Justice Mian Gul Hassan AUrangzeb observed that it there was an impression that the government was behind the campaign as neither the Attorney General nor the law minister had said anything.
However, the chief justice remarked that any cmapaign against judges would not be tolerated.
The decision comes after the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) strongly condemned the social media campaign against Justice Jahangiri.
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In an emergency meeting of the IHCBA’s executive committee, a statement was issued expressing condemnation of the “malicious” social media campaign against Justice Jahangiri, who is described as a “competent and hardworking judge.”
The IHCBA highlighted Justice Jahangiri’s distinguished career as a lawyer and Deputy Attorney General, emphasizing its unwavering belief in the independence and autonomy of the judiciary.
The full court bench will convene shortly to hear the contempt of court case related to the social media campaign against Justice Jahangiri.
No Compromise on Judicial Independence, IHC BAR
IHC Bar Says No Compromise on Judicial Independence, Riast Ali Azad, President of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, has declared unwavering support for judicial independence amidst strong condemnation of moves to file references against judges.
Azad emphasized the crucial role of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law in advancing the country. He criticized attempts to intimidate those advocating for these principles, stressing that upholding them comes with a price.
Highlighting solidarity with judges committed to upholding constitutional values, Azad announced plans for a strategic meeting of the bar’s executive committee to chart a course forward.
He also pledged to address the implications of recent controversies surrounding letters written by six judges and the filing of references against them.
The President of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association vowed to defend the judiciary’s integrity and uphold the principles of the Constitution and the law, ensuring transparency and justice prevail in all proceedings.
