CJP affirms right to criticise verdicts

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa said on Monday that the judiciary cannot prevent journalists and the general public from criticising court judgments.

A three-member bench of the apex court heard the suo motu case regarding the harassment of journalists and the recent FIA notices issued to some newspersons and YouTubers.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Isa emphasised that journalists have the freedom to criticise judicial decisions. However, he pointed out that using abusive language and inciting violence are different matters.

The court adjourned the hearing on the issue of notices issued to journalists for criticising the judiciary and directed the president of the Press Association of the Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court Reporters Association to discuss the matter with the attorney general.

The court asserted that every citizen and journalist has the right to criticise, and if the issue is limited to criticism, no action should be taken against anyone.

“I will talk about my organisation first. How long will you repeat the mistakes of the past? If you criticise me, I will know my mistake,” remarked the chief justice.

He expressed concern over incidents in Pakistan, such as attacks on women giving polio shots and violence against the Christian community, emphasising that such actions go against the principles of Islam.

The chief justice observed that the main allegation is that journalists are not allowed to do their jobs freely. He said he was opposed to curbing criticism, as freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution.

“If you think that you are benefiting me or the Supreme Court by curtailing criticism, you are harming the institution,” the chief justice told the attorney general.

“I don’t care, but if you make fun of the judiciary, the country will suffer,” the CJP said, adding that while criticism is allowed, there are limits outlined in the Constitution.

Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan assured the court that no action would be taken against journalists. The court directed the federal government to provide a report on violence against journalists within two weeks.

Journalist Matiullah Jan suggested that the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif should be considered during the proceedings.

The chief justice agreed to review the file of Arshad Sharif and said that the matter would be looked into on the next date of the hearing.

The court also discussed the role of social media, noting the damage it has caused to institutions. The chief justice asked journalist Asad Toor if he could recognise the accused, and Toor expressed willingness to identify them if presented. The hearing will continue on Tuesday (today). On January 27, Chief Justice Isa had taken a suo motu notice against the FIA’s list of 47 journalists and YouTubers for allegedly running a smear campaign on social media against Supreme Court judges and the judiciary.