The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faiz Isa, expressed his concerns and doubts during the hearing of a case related to the issuance of notices to journalists by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The three-member bench was headed by the Chief Justice himself. During the hearing, the Chief Justice questioned the absence of Haider Waheed, and Barrister Salahuddin informed the court that he wanted to withdraw his application related to media regulation.
The Chief Justice expressed his skepticism about the application’s ability to ensure freedom of expression or prevent its further suppression. He also questioned the basis of the application filed in 2022 and the common interests that brought the petitioners together. The Chief Justice also pointed out the selective reporting in the media and the disappearance of six petitioners. He summoned the media regulation petitioners in their capacity and issued notices to them.
The Chief Justice raised concerns about the false news being circulated about his wife and the need for journalists to be held accountable for their actions. He inquired about the possibility of terminating the membership of journalists who spread false news and the effectiveness of defamation laws in Pakistan. He also questioned whether lawyers had ever taken action against their members and urged the need for journalists to be responsible and not engage in sensationalism for monetary gain. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary
