Minister says JIT probing smear campaign targeting judiciary as per law
Pakistan
Solangi dispels accusation of govt-backed harassment campaign against journalists
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi stated on Sunday that the joint investigation team (JIT), formed on Jan 16 to investigate a smear campaign against the judiciary on social media platforms, is operating in accordance with the law.
During a news conference alongside officials from the FIA, PTA and other relevant institutions, Solangi reported that 600 social media accounts had been investigated, leading to 100 inquiries being registered.
Notices were served to 110 individuals, including 32 journalists and 22 politicians and political workers, he added.
Solangi said that these notices were issued in accordance with the law, dismissing reports of harassment of journalists related to the 'malicious campaign' against judges of the apex court.
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On Saturday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa initiated suo motu proceedings in response to reported incidents of harassment of journalists by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against the backdrop of the smear campaign targeting the superior judiciary. A three-judge bench is scheduled to take up the matter on Monday.
Solangi further said that no first information report (FIR) had been lodged against anybody, and no arrests had been made so far. He assured that the law would take its course, and actions against those involved in running the campaign against the judiciary would be taken in accordance with the law.
Responding to a query, Solangi highlighted that there were reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression, and the law prohibited running campaigns against the judiciary and armed forces.
He clarified, "This is not about criticism; rather, it is related to character assassination and ridicule of the judiciary." He emphasised the importance of drawing a fine line between criticism and ridiculing someone.
Regarding the caretaker government's role, Solangi stated that it could only take measures in accordance with its mandate.
He dispelled the impression of a witch-hunt under the guise of the JIT, noting that nobody had been picked up since the JIT was formed.
He also noted that the intensity of the malicious campaign had significantly decreased since the formation of the JIT.
