Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, leading a full court bench, has initiated proceedings against individuals involved in a defamatory campaign targeting Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri. The court underscored the responsibilities of state bodies such as Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to halt campaigns maligning judicial figures.
The campaign on social media questioned the authenticity of Justice Jahangiri’s educational credentials, prompting a case in the Supreme Judicial Council. Justice Jahangiri was among the judges advocating for judicial independence in a recent letter to Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
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IHC Chief Justice Farooq rebuked the ongoing malicious campaign, stating that the judiciary will not tolerate such attacks. He directed notices to Pemra, FIA, PTA, and specific journalists to address the issue swiftly.
The Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) condemned the campaign, emphasizing Justice Jahangiri’s competence and career achievements. They expressed solidarity with the judiciary’s autonomy and warned of potential protests if the smear campaign continues unabated.
The hearing has been adjourned until after summer vacations.
