In the matter concerning the harassment of journalists and the issuance of notices by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa presided over a three-member bench, including Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarat Hilali.
During today’s hearing, Amir Mir’s lawyer, Jahangir Jadoon, recapped the previous day’s order and emphasized that the government should clarify whether court directives were adhered to in the Amir Mir case. The Chief Justice inquired which government should be questioned, to which the lawyer specified the federal government.
Addressing the former Advocate General, the Chief Justice warned that an order might be issued against him as well, questioning if his client held a ministerial position. Confirming the ministerial role, the lawyer acknowledged his client’s status as a helper. In response, the Chief Justice queried about the mysterious figure governing the country, prompting the lawyer to suggest that this information is widely known. The Chief Justice cautioned against such statements, emphasizing the court’s nature.
Expressing concern about journalists’ failure to submit miscellaneous applications, the Chief Justice highlighted the challenge of issuing an order without written submissions. He mentioned a newly established three-member committee in the Supreme Court tasked with determining whether journalists have filed fresh requests after the initial request. Journalist Aqeel Afzal noted the absence of a list detailing the journalists facing prosecution.
The Chief Justice underscored that the court had exercised caution in not issuing any orders the previous day and lamented the reluctance of individuals to fulfill their duties. Referring to the Practice and Procedure Act, he mentioned the live telecast of a case related to this act and expressed disappointment that journalists had not filed a formal application that day. The court expects journalists to submit a formal request to guide further proceedings. Notably, the Supreme Court has sought a report on the torture of journalists within two weeks, as directed in the previous hearing.