ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa remarked that lies gained more traction on social media.

“More you lie, more it sells on social media,” CJP observed while heading three-judge bench hearing petition against Federal Investigation Agency’s notices to journalists.

During hearing, CJP inquired whether or not there was any mover of application filed by Advocate Haider Waheed present in court pertaining to media regulations.Top judge called Attorney General for Pakistan to rostrum and asked him if such plea like one filed by Advocate Waheed was not misuse of court. AGP replied that it was absolutely an abuse of process. CJP Isa noted that SC should call all movers of this application on notice. AGP supported serving notice to movers.

Barrister Salahuddin, representing Press Association of SC, told court that there was nothing urgent in case. When CJP asked where Advocate Waheed was, he was told that lawyer wanted to withdraw application related to media regulations. CJP Isa noted that Advocate Waheed had not even attended court. “Would this application ensure or further restrict freedom of expression?” he inquired. Top judge wondered who movers of application were. CJP asked Barrister Salahuddin if they had reached an out-of-court settlement with these people. Barrister Salahuddin replied that they were journalistic body and lacked means of reaching such settlement. CJP Isa remarked that it was not necessary to have money for this purpose.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 03 2024

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