While taking suo-motu cognisance in response to a plea of journalists seeking judicial review over administrative agencies’ actions, which are curtailing constitutional freedom of press, the top court Friday directed the interior secretary, director general Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and others to appear with reports in the matter on August 26.
Incumbent and former presidents of the Press Association of Supreme Court (PAS) and other senior journalists have invoked the top court’s jurisdiction for directives to concerned authorities to restrain from misuse of power in order to curb journalistic activities in the country.
A two-member bench of Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel also issued notices to the inspector general of Islamabad police and secretary human rights, whereas the federal secretary information has been directed to turn up with details of media houses and advertisements released to them this year on the day of hearing.
The bench also issued notices to Council of Newspaper Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Association (APNS), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in the matter whereas it sought reports of attacks on journalists and the progress in the cases filed against them from the concerned authorities. The court further sought the details of expenses incurred on the Safe City project.
The applicants claimed that Pakistan is ranked 145th position in Reporters without Borders 2021 Global Press Freedom Ranking. They prayed, “We have no other recourse but to turn to this honourable court to not only protect us but to protect the very foundation of the Islamic republic of Pakistan. We therefore, most humbly request that this honourable court be pleased to initiate action to ensure our fundamental rights and also to take appropriate action against all those who are violating our Fundamental Rights and causing the deteriorating landscape for Press Freedom in Pakistan”.
During the proceedings, Justice Qazi Faez Isa observed the court has taken notice of the matter in public interest under Article 184/3 since harassing journalists and gagging the media comes in the domain of public interest. After hearing the matter, Justice Isa directed the fixation branch to fix the matter before the same bench and adjourned the hearing for August 26.
