The Islamabad High Court’s seven-member larger bench has issued notices to PEMRA, PTA, and journalists Gharida Farooqi, Ammar Solangi, and Hassan Ayub in a contempt of court case related to a social media campaign against Chief Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri.
Full Bench Hearing
The full bench, led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and including Justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb, Babar Sattar, Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Saman Rafat Imtiaz, conducted the hearing. Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri was not part of the bench. The Chief Justice called the Additional Attorney General to the rostrum, expressing discontent over the ongoing campaign and emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated.
Government Inaction Criticized
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb noted the lack of government action against the campaign, suggesting implicit endorsement by the Minister of Law and the Attorney General. The Chief Justice criticized the need for judges to verify their degrees on social media, condemned the severe campaigns against the judiciary, and asserted that such behavior would not be ignored. He reiterated that anyone involved would face legal action and questioned the visibility of regulatory bodies like PTA and FIA.
Institutional Response Emphasized
The Chief Justice emphasized the institutional response, warning those involved would face jail time. Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb pointed out the perception of government involvement. The Chief Justice rejected the idea of judges holding press conferences, asserting their commitment to accountability but refusing to tolerate campaigns under its guise. The Islamabad High Court adjourned the case until after the summer holidays.
Bar Associations Condemn Campaign Against Judiciary
Joint Meeting of Bar Associations
In a joint meeting chaired by Vice Chairman Adil Aziz Qazi, the Islamabad Bar Council. Islamabad High Court Bar Association and Islamabad Bar Association condemned. The malicious social media campaign against Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri and other judges. The declaration denounced attempts to undermine the judiciary and vowed resistance, including representative conventions, nationwide protests, and strikes.
Commitment to the Rule of Law
The bar institutions affirmed their commitment to the rule of regulation and constitutional supremacy. An independent judiciary, standing firmly with the judiciary. They advised the court to initiate disciplinary and contempt lawsuits against the social media marketing campaign. They pledged to face the judges opposing any unconstitutional or illegal moves. The declaration also emphasized the refusal to allow any covert power to interfere with judicial matters.
