IHC Takes Action Over Social Media Campaign Targeting Judges

Pakistan’s judiciary is facing a unique challenge – a coordinated social media attack targeting several high court judges. This online harassment campaign raises concerns about freedom of speech and attempts to undermine the independence of the judiciary. Now, IHC has taken action over a social media campaign targeting judges.

The most recent target is Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Following a similar move by Justice Babar Sattar a day earlier, Justice Kayani wrote a letter to the IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq. Both judges requested the court to initiate contempt of court proceedings against those spreading misinformation and maligning the judiciary.

Justice Sattar has been the focus of online attacks for weeks. The IHC issued a strong statement condemning the “false and malicious” social media campaign against him. The statement clarified that Justice Sattar has always held Pakistani nationality and obtained a US Green Card due to his exceptional abilities while working there. He returned to Pakistan in 2005 and has resided there ever since.

IHC Takes Action Over Social Media Campaign Targeting Judges

The social media campaign against Justice Sattar went beyond questioning his nationality. Confidential information, including travel documents of the judge, his wife, and children, were circulated online along with unfounded allegations. The IHC statement clarified that Justice Sattar’s wife and children hold dual citizenship but have resided in Pakistan since 2021.

The targeted attacks on the judges come amidst a larger debate about judicial independence in Pakistan. In March, six IHC judges, including Justices Kayani and Sattar, wrote to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) expressing concern about alleged interference from intelligence agencies in judicial matters. They proposed a judicial convention to address these concerns.

Instead of a broad response, the Supreme Court opted to form an inquiry commission to investigate the six judges’ letter. This decision, along with a meeting between the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister, has further heightened tensions. Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani recused himself from leading the inquiry commission, and the Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the judges’ letter.

While social media can be a powerful tool for public discourse, it can also be misused to spread misinformation and target individuals. The coordinated attacks against the judges raise concerns about the use of social media to undermine the independence of the judiciary.

Pakistan’s judicial system plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law. Addressing the issue of online harassment against judges is crucial. Simultaneously, ensuring open communication and transparency can help build trust between the judiciary and the public.

See Also: Journalists Urge SC to Cancel JIT Probing Social Media Campaign Against Judges