ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa expressed displeasure on Monday over the use of the Supreme Court’s name in the proceedings against vlogger Asad Toor, citing inconsistencies in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
During a hearing of a suo motu case presided over by a three-member SC bench including CJP Isa, Justice Muhammed Ali Mazhar, and Justice Mussarat Hilali, concerning the harassment of journalists by FIA summons as part of the Joint Investigation Team’s (JIT) probe into an alleged anti-judiciary campaign, the CJP highlighted the discrepancies.
CJP Isa pointed out that while the inquiry notice sent to Asad Toor mentioned an inquiry related to an anti-judiciary campaign, the FIR did not specify such allegations.
This hearing was initiated from the formation of a JIT by the caretaker government on January 17 to investigate a social media campaign targeting SC judges following a verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) election symbol.
Subsequently, the court intervened after FIA summons were issued to several journalists, instructing the agency not to take action against individuals criticizing the apex court.
However, despite the court’s directives, FIA arrested Toor on February 26 in connection with the alleged smear campaign against the SC and the CJP. Toor is currently in FIA custody.
Today’s Hearing;
During today’s hearing, Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed, representing the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA), and the Press Association of the Supreme Court (PAS) told the court that Asad Toor is currently in prison.
“Why is he in jail?” queried the CJP.
The lawyer cited a FIR lodged against the journalist and urged the court to invalidate the government’s notification regarding the formation of the JIT.
The chief justice then asked about the relevance of the charges in the FIR against Toor, particularly those about “sensitive information.”
Pointing out disparities between the FIA’s notice and the FIR against Toor, CJP Isa remarked, “No SC judge or registrar lodged any complaint with the FIA.”
“The actions of FIA officials are damaging the judiciary’s reputation,” observed the chief justice, expressing concern about potential tarnishing of the judiciary’s image before the public. “Why shouldn’t we issue a contempt of court notice to the FIA?” he questioned.
Moreover, the CJP rebuked the Inspector General Police (IGP) Islamabad for failing to report progress or apprehend suspects. “[You] couldn’t locate the accused despite video evidence? It’s been four years; how much longer do you need?
“The entire country is watching your performance. Your conduct suggests you are aiding and abetting,” remarked the CJP, hinting at the possibility of dismissing the police chief from his position.
