Category: Freedom of Expression

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) welcomes observations by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa that “intimidation of the press would not be tolerated at any costs.” However, PPF is also vary of observations made by the top judge regarding the process of verification that the media should be implementing and the limits of free expression under Article 19. Such observations by the top judge open the door for doubt toward the media and for state bodies like the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take action against journalists.

By questioning the role of the media in airing the allegations by former Rawal­pindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha,  the CJP’s stance on not tolerating intimidation of the press is negated as it questions the intentions of the media. The media must be able to determine its own standards and procedures for verification.

During a hearing of the harassment of journalists and a joint petition about inquiries by the FIA against journalists, CJP Isa said that intimidation of the press would not be tolerated at any cost since it involves key fundamental rights.

According to Dawn, during the proceedings, the SC bench inquired whether notices issued to journalists were based on a report by judges or the registrar of the apex court, they Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) said they had not. Additionally, the chief justice had rejected and “expressed serious displeasure” on reports furnished by the capital police and the FIA on harassment of journalists.

In January, notices were issued by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to several dozen journalists and media professionals for being part of an “explicit and malicious campaign against Honorable Judges of [the] Supreme Court of Pakistan.” On February 26, journalist and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor was arrested by FIA in connection to the alleged smear campaign.

CJP Isa’s observations are welcome as they question the basis for the notices issued to the journalists and provide a mechanism to hold the FIA to account.

During the same proceeding, When discussing the allegations made by Chatha about rigging in which he specifically named the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the chief justice of being involved, which he later withdrew, CJP Isa said that the allegations were run by television channels without any verification. He added that no journalist had asked Chata for proof of his allegations.

“When the credibility of the institutions are tarnished, we all get affected,” the top judge was quoted saying.

The chief justice said that Article 19 of the Consitution “did not give a license to level baseless allegations.”

While the chief justice has a right to defend himself against allegations and to question the credibility of such allegations, it is not the job of the media to work as a court of law and dissect the credibility of the allegations. The media must operate within its own ethical and professional standards that ensure verified and credible news is aired.

Additionally, these remarks negate his observation that intimidation of the press would not be tolerated as they leave the door open for questioning the media’s intentions and, in turn, for taking action against them.

For the media to be able to work safely without fear of reprisal, as has been observed recently in the alleged smear campaign against the judiciary that led to the arrest of journalist Asad Ali Toor, we urge the top judge to focus on ensuring the safety of the media and act against the heavy-handedness of the state towards journalists and media professionals. 

——ENDS—–

In a notable session of the National Assembly on March 3 in Islamabad, the state broadcaster, Pakistan Television (PTV), abruptly halted the live broadcast of a speech by Omar Ayub Khan, a prominent member.  of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-aligned Sunni Ittehad Council.  This occurrence took place right after the newly-elected Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s address, highlighting a dramatic moment in Pakistan’s political discourse.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had extended the floor to Ayub Khan, signaling an opportunity for the opposition to voice their perspectives. However, the live transmission by PTV was suspended at that moment. This interruption did not go unnoticed; Deputy Speaker  Ghulam Mustafa Shah of the National Assembly swiftly intervened, directing PTV to resume the live coverage of Ayub Khan’s address.

During a National Assembly session on March 4, Ayub Khan mentioned his previous speech was not broadcast live, contrasting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s fully live-streamed address. He highlighted that his speech, grounded in facts, faced interruptions, whereas Sharif’s did not. Ayub announced plans to move a privilege motion against this discrepancy.

The post PTV Censorship Sparks Outcry in National Assembly: Omar Ayub Khan Speech Interrupted first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

On March 8, a district and sessions court in Islamabad sent journalist and YouTuber Asad Toor to jail on a 14-day judicial remand. This decision came after the court rejected a request by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for an extension of Toor’s physical custody.

The FIA had sought additional time for investigations and to recover electronic devices from Toor. He stands accused of running a social media campaign against the judiciary, inciting anti-state sentiment, and violating the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016. Toor was arrested by the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing on February 26 in response to a series of notices issued to him.

After hearing arguments, Judicial Magistrate Shabbir Bhatti rejected the FIA’s request of four-day remand extension and sent the journalist to Adiala Jail on 14-day judicial remand.

Toor was initially remanded into FIA custody for five days on February 27 by Judicial Magistrate Islamabad Muhammad Shabbir.  The remand was later extended to three more days.

 

Separate Appeal Disposed

In a related hearing on the same day, Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Supra rejected an appeal seeking Asad Toor’s dismissal from the case. Toor’s legal team had argued that he had already been extensively interrogated and his electronic devices confiscated, asserting that there was no basis for extending his physical remand.

The FIA prosecutor had alleged that Toor’s social media posts and vlogs were financially motivated. However, Toor’s lawyers maintained that the content primarily focused on alleged electoral irregularities. The judge ultimately disposed of the appeal for dismissal and ordered his appearance in court on March 22.

The post Journalist Asad Toor Sent to Adiala Jail on Judicial Remand first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore granted bail to journalist Imran Riaz Khan on March 9, in relation to the Zaman Park attack case. This case has brought him under scrutiny for alleged acts of arson and stone-pelting at police officers during their attempt to execute arrest warrants against the former Prime Minister and the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, on May 9, 2023.

This marks the second time Khan has been granted bail in recent weeks. On February 23rd, he was arrested on corruption charges related to the Tharabi Lake contract but was later released on bail. He was re-arrested on March 6 in connection with the Zaman Park incident.

His defense, led by lawyer Ali Mian Ashfaq, challenged the prosecution’s case by highlighting the lack of evidence and pointing out significant inconsistencies. Ashfaq emphasized the absence of video footage or any solid proof to substantiate the charges against Khan, further noting the police’s delayed awareness of the case, which reportedly went unnoticed for eight months.

In a ruling, the court, Judge Arshad Javaid Chadhar, ordered Khan to post a surety bond of Rs 0.1 million for his bail.

Previously, on March 1, an Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore, led by Judge Naveed Iqbal, ordered a five-day physical custody remand for Riaz Khan. The police had sought a 15-day remand, citing witness statements and the need for further investigation. However, the court settled on a shorter remand period, scheduling Khan’s next appearance.

The post Imran Riaz Khan Granted Bail in Zaman Park Case first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on March 5 issued notices to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in response to a petition challenging the ban on social media platform X.

The petition was filed on March 4 by Islamabad resident Ehtisham Abbasi, naming the information ministry and PTA as respondents. Abbasi urges the IHC to order the immediate lifting of the ban on X “in the interest of justice.”

The petition argues that the ban violates Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech. Additionally, it asserts that the ban infringes upon the fundamental right to dignity under Article 14.  The petition contends the respondents’ actions are “deliberate, arbitrary, mala fide, without lawful authority” and threaten other constitutional and statutory rights.

Access to X has been disrupted in Pakistan since February 17. The new disruption in access to X comes after the closure of mobile connectivity and data services on election day on February 8 across Pakistan.  This incident cast doubt on the credibility of the entire election and raised questions about the government’s motives for leaving citizens in the dark.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) had previously ordered the restoration of X services, but the platform remains inaccessible.

During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq asked, “Is X closed?” The petitioner’s lawyer confirmed the closure on February 17. Justice Farooq inquired about the status of a related matter in the Sindh High Court and was informed of a contempt of court petition being heard on March 5. Following this exchange, Justice Farooq announced the issuance of notices for the next week.

The exact reasons behind the ban and the identity of the party responsible for it remain unclear. The Information Minister Murtaza Solangi denied responsibility, stating the caretaker government did not discuss the issue.

The post IHC Issues Notices to Information Ministry, PTA on Social Media Ban Petition first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).

An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore ordered a five-day physical custody remand for anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan on March 1, following his arrest related to incidents of violence outside Zaman Park, Lahore, amidst a turbulent political backdrop and heightened security measures in the area on May 9, 2023.

Presented before the court by Racecourse police, Riaz Khan, who was already under judicial remand in a corruption case, faced accusations of arson and stone-pelting at police officials outside the residence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The investigation officer cited witness statements, seeking a 15-day remand for further investigation and a photogrammetry test. However, Judge Naveed Iqbal opted for a shorter five-day physical remand, scheduling Khan’s next appearance for March 6.

On March 1, an Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore, led by Judge Naveed Iqbal, ordered a five-day physical custody remand for Riaz Khan. The police had sought a 15-day remand, citing witness statements and the need for further investigation, including a photogrammetry test. However, the court settled on a shorter remand period, scheduling Khan’s next appearance for March 6.

Riaz Khan’s counsel argued against the charges, asserting that the anchorperson was merely covering the incident for Bol TV and that there were ample videos available to establish his innocence. Khan himself maintained his innocence, expressing faith in divine justice and hinting at political motivations behind his arrest.

Corruption Case and Bail

Alongside the remand, a separate anti-corruption court has granted Imran Riaz post-arrest bail concerning allegations of inflating a contract price related to Dharabi Lake in Chakwal, Punjab. His defense team has dismissed the charges as unfounded.

On February 23, Riaz Khan was arrested from his residence late at night and subsequently jailed by a Lahore district court.

The First Information Report (FIR) filed against Riaz Khan, included charges under Sections 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 161 (public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect to an official act) and 162 (taking gratification, in order by corrupt or illegal means to influence public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code. It also invoked Section 5(2)47 (criminal misconduct) of the Prevention Of Corruption Act, 1947.

Deputy Prosecutor Abdul Samad opposed the petition and urged the court to deny bail to the suspect. He said the suspect and his father secured a contract of Dhrabi Lake in Chakwal in connivance with government officials at a throwaway price. Despite objections from the prosecution, Judge Safdar Ali Bhatti granted bail upon the provision of surety bonds worth Rs100,000.

In response to the court’s decision, Riaz Khan expressed his faith in divine justice, hinting at political motivations behind his arrest. Riaz Khan in his statement post-hearing, “God is greatest, and no one is more powerful than God.” He alleged that the charges levied against him were underpinned by political motives, suggested to be driven by a prominent female political figure, though he refrained from directly identifying her (interpreted to be the recently sworn-in Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz).

The post Imran Riaz Khan Remanded to Police Custody In Connection with Zaman Park Clash Case first appeared on Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF).